Folk Games and Sports

179

Krabi-Krabong are mostly played in a pair of weapons, such as

Krabi versus Krabi (sword versus sword), Phlong versus Phlong (stick

versus stick), Ngao versus Ngao (halberd versus halberd), Phlong versus

short stick. It can be added with group or multiple pairs, or

“Samban”

fight which is one fighting with two people. The pleasure of watching

Krabi-Krabong, in addition to the thrill of the fight, is the instrumental

music played during the performance. The music is selected to match

each of weapons in the dance, such as Krabi (sword), using the song

“Krabi Lila”

;

“Dab Song Mue”

(dual-handed backsword), using the

song

“Champathet or Khmer Song Khrueng; “Ngao (halberd), using

the song “Khuen Ma”

(board the horse);

“Phlong”

(stick), using the

song Long Song or Khuen Phlap Phla; Sam Ban battle, using the song

Pleang Krao Nok or Farang Ram Thao.

The practice of Thailand’s identity martial arts such as Krabi-

Krabong has both physical and mental benefits. It can help develop

personality; improve physical efficiency; enhance the muscle strength,

balance, responsive movement; practice observations and intelligence

by learning how to study strategic locations, environment and the

postures of the opponent; and train mind to be strong and patient, as

Krabi-Krabong had been used to maintain the country’s sovereignty.

• Tee Lai Pai Klab (hitting back and forth stance)

“

The name of Krabi–Krabong

is assumed to originate from

Ramayana. The word Krabi refers

to the head of monkeys (Hanuman),

holding a short trident. The small

monkeys move very fast and some of

them use daggers. The word Krabong

refers to giants carrying clubs as their

weapon. Therefore, “Krabi” is used

as a generic term for short weapons

such as swords, scimitars, bucklers,

arm shields, daggers. “Krabong” refers

to long weapons like sticks, clubs,

halberds, lance, and spears. These

are also evident in plays about the

battle between the monkeys and

giants. Their popular weapons are the

pairs of short sticks (Krabi) and clubs

(Krabong).

”