GPD055 ซอพัฒนาบ้านเมือง

Amnuey and his troupe were hired by USIS (United States Information Service), a branch of the CIA, to make this tape for radio broadcast to areas in northern Thailand threatened by the perceived advance of communism. I was apprehensive about assisting at first, but I consented as a favor to this jolly impresario who had done so much for me. This is the only instance when I have been a knowing tool of the US propaganda machine. Politics aside, it is a wonderful performance musically. I wonder if it has gained me a file in some cabinet in the Pentagon.

After a introductory Pi Joom piece the Saw singers launch into a full-length performance which exhorts the listeners to be good citizens, to work hard for the common good, to respect the Thai government, and not to listen to the filthy, lying communists.

Two Saw melodies are used. First the Chiang Mai melody, then after the words “Jim La Naw” they switch to a melody called “Japu”. Then at a second “Jim La Naw” they return to the original Chiang Mai tune. “Jim La Naw” จิ่มละนอ translates roughly to “enough of this.”