|
|
|
The Arts
|
Mural painting
One of the most important Thai
literary works is the Ramakien, a
uniquely Thai version of the Indian epic
Ramayana. Early Thai versions of the
Ramakien were lost in the destruction
of Ayutthaya. The longest of the three
present versions was written in 1798 by
the first Chakri King Rama I, and a
group of inlimates, who incorporated
Thai and Buddhist elements into it to
preserve oral knowledge of Ayutthaya
state rites and traditions. Indeed.
King Rama I's Ramakien is the major
historical source of medieval Thai
courtly traditions.
 |
Mural painting
|
King Rama II composed two
episodes of the Ramakien for classical
drama purposes and wrole several
oiher epic poems, including the Inao. a
romance with a Javanese background.
The Inao is a treasure trove of historical
information on the early 19th century.
Thai customs, habits, and manners
figure prominently in the repertoire of
classical drama.
Another major Thai literary figure
was SunlhonPhu (1786-1855), apoetic
genius and well-beloved commoner,
Sunthon Phil's enduring achievement
(apart from his legendary personal adventures) was to write supremely well
in common language about common
feelings and common people. Easily
understood by all classes, his work
became widely accepted. His major
works were Phra Aphai Mani, a romantic adventure, and nine Nirats mostly
written during a pilgrimage, associating
romantic memories with the places he
visited in central and eastern Thailand.
Both King RamaV and King Rama VI were also distinguished writers
whose creativity reflected the rich
intellectual heritage of several prose and
verse forms. Among the outstanding
literary works of King Rama V were
Ngo Pa and the well-known Klai Ban
(Far Away From Home), about his
journey to Europe in 1906-7. King
Rama Vl's works included Matthana
Phata, Phra Non Kham Luang. and several
patriotic articles entitled Muang Thai
Chong Tun Thoet (Wake Up All Thais).
All outstanding writer and scholar
was Phraya Anuman RaJacihon, who
was hum in 1888 and died in 1969.
Interested in all aspects of Thai culture,
from language in folklore, Phraya
Anuman wrote dozens of books on such
subjects and served as an inspiration to
numerous younger Thais who are now
promineni in academic fields.
In the modem age, from about 1900
onward, most Thai readers are acquainted
with work of Dokmaisod, the pen name
of M.L. Boopha Nimmanhaemindha.
Among her pioneering novels were
Phu Di, Nung Nai Roi Nit, Chaichana
Khong Luang. Naruban, Many of her
works are assigned reading for students
at the secondary and tertiary levels of
education today,
Malai Choopinit, under his pen
names of Mae Anong and Noi Intanon,
was an expert in both novels and
shorl stories. Thung Maharal, a novel
about rural life, and Long Phrai. about
adventures in the forest, are two of his
best-known works.
Other proniinant modem writers
have included Yakhop (pen name of
Chot Praephan), author of Phu Ghana
Sip Thit, about the Burmese royal
court; Sri Burapha (Kularb Sai Pradit)
whose mos! famous work is a love
story entitled Khang Lang Phap: Krisna
Asokcsin (Sukanya Cholasuk) who has
written over a hundred novels about love
and the complexities of family life;
Suwanee Sukhontha, whose novel Khao
Chu Kan told the story of a young doctor
who goes to work in a rural area; and
former Prime Minister M.R. Kukrit
PramoJ whose most famous novel.
Si Phandin, offers a picture of Thai
society through four reigns, from King
Rama V to King Rama VIII.
The S.E.A. Write Awards, estab-
lished in 1978 to honour writers from the
countries that comprise ASEAN. has
become an important annual event in
Thailand's literary life. The Thai winner
in 1999 was Win Lyovarin, who also won
in 1997: his novels deal with contemporary subjects, including the politicail scene.
| | |
|
|