“Khim” (dulcimer) is a string instrument originating from Persia. It was brought to Asia through the famous trade route-the Silk Road. The same instrument can also be found in Europe, known as a “Hammered Dulcimer”; or in India as a “Santoor”; or in China, as a “Yang Chin”. However, the most impressive name ever used for this instrument is the “Butterfly Harp”. The name is derived by the special physical characteristics when the cover is placed next to the base forming a butterfly shape.

The Butterfly Harp traveled through China and into Thailand during the early Rattanakosin Period. Since then several adaptations and improvements have been applied until the instrument, now known as “Khim”, could truly express the Thainess in its sound. While Khim possessed many positive qualities, one still cannot overlook the disadvantages. Due to the tropical climate and tempera­ture of Thailand, the strings need to be retuned rather often. Nowadays, a new invention-Khim Lot-retains the sound of the original without the need for constant retune.

(Chanok Sagarik Associate Fellow of the Academy of Arts, The Royal Institute, Thailand)