Pi (instrument)

Pi (Thai: ปี่, pronounced [pìː]) is the generic term for any of a variety of quadruple reed oboes used in the traditional music of Thailand, piphat.

It is very similar in construction and playing technique to Burmese Hne and Cambodian sralai.

An entirely different instrument, a bamboo free reed pipe called pi chum (ปี่จุม), is used by the Lanna of Northern Thailand.

The pi nai (41–42×4.5 cm) is commonly seen in Thai literature such as Phra Aphai Mani.

It is presumed that the Thais obtained this musical influence from India due to its similarity to the Indian shehnai.

It is presumed Thais took on introducing the pi chawa as same time as the glong khaek.

From some evidence, they used pi chawa in Krabuan Phayuhayattra (กระบวนพยุหยาตรา, military march) in the pre-Ayutthaya period.

A pi chum (Thai: ปี่จุม) is a musical instrument from northern Thailand.

The pi nae is the northern Thai equivalent of the Burmese Hne.