Republic of the Philippines

City of Taguig
Taguig City University
Gen. Santos Avenue, Central Bicutan, Taguig City

THAI LITERATURE

THOUGHT OF THE DAY: "Oh, how everything was against me then. Even termites made their way to my bedroom. They
ate the mat and destroyed all my books. It was distressing to think of those books and the yellow robes I used to wear Had
holes in them like my weeping eyes." – Sunthorn Phu

I. OBJECTIVE
At the end of the lesson, the students should be able to:
a. understand the importance and relevance of Thai literature;
b. recognize the evolution of Thai literature over its four (4) periods; and
c. examine the significance of Ramakien in Thai literature.

II. PREPARATORY ACTIVITY

“Facts about Thailand”: Five (5) trivias about Thailand
1. Thailand is the only country in South-East Asia that has never been colonized under European power
– Land of the Free.
2. Thailand has the world’s longest reigning monarch in the world – King Bhumibol Adulyade reigned
over Thailand for 70 years and 126 days.
3. Bangkok’s ceremonial name is one of the longest names in the world – ‘Krungthepmahanakhon
Amonrattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilokphop Noppharatratchathaniburirom
Udomratchaniwetmahasathan Amonphimanawatansathit Sakkathattiyawitsanukamprasit,’ which
means, ‘City of Angels, Great City of Immortals, Magnificent City of the Nine Gems, Seat of the
King, City of Royal Palaces, Home of Gods Incarnate, Erected by Visvakarman at Indra’s Behest.’
4. All men used to become Buddhist monks – All Thai young men under the age of twenty, of all social
rankings, including the princes and kings, became a Buddhist monk for at least a short amount of
time in their lifetime.
5. Bangkok used to be referred to as the “Venice of the East” – Due to the number of buildings built on
stilts above the river. Gradually, most of the canals (or ‘klongs’ in Thai) were filled in and became
the streets you see today.

III. DISCUSSION
A. Brief background of Thailand
a.1. Thailand (Siam) means, “Land of the Free”.
a.2. It is located in the heart of mainland Southeast Asia.
a.3. Thai is the national and official language of Thailand; it is a tonal language with different
dialects. Its script was created in 1283 by King Ramkhamhaeng the Great of the Sukhothai Kingdom.
a.4. Other languages spoken include Chinese and Malay. English, a compulsory subject of
secondary school curricula, is widely spoken and understood throughout the country.
a.5. The majority of Thais, over 90% are Buddhists, although other major religions are practiced.
These include Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Sikhism. The Constitution makes no mention of any
religion or sect as a national religion and grants complete freedom of worship for all Thai citizens.
a.6. Thais were presumed originated from China and migrated down to Thailand along the
Southern part of China.
a.7. Thai style of arts, crafts, and architecture was formed as the two main groups from Thailand
was established: Lan Na and Sukhothai.

B. Literature in Thailand
b.1. Literature in Thai context
หนังสอ ื (Nangseu) – a general written work;
วรรณคดี(Wannakhadi) – a well-refined written work used in specific and general meaning;
and
วรรณกรรม (Wannakam) – literary works in written and oral tradition used in general
meaning
b.2. Four (4) Periods of Thai Literature
b.2.1. Sukhothai Period (1238-1377)
The literary works in this period were designed to reaffirm national cultural identity,
 political stability and spiritual values, with the monarchs taking the lead in the promotion of
arts, religion and public administration. Major literary works in this period are:

King Ram Kamhaeng Inscription – the first piece of

work in Thai script. It consists of biography of King Ram
Kamhaeng and his works, description of Sukhothai social
condition, Sukhothai landscape, and Governance, Laws,
Religion, and Trades.
The Inscription is of 114.5 centimetres high with four
sides and topped by a quadrilateral pyramid. The first side has
35 lines, the second 35 lines, the third 27 lines and the fourth
27 lines. Each side is 35.5 centimetres wide. It is the oldest
surviving writing in the Thai language and the Thai script, and
as such, is central to Thai history and culture.
The King Ram Khamhaeng Inscription (RK) of 1292 A.D. is considered a major
documentary heritage of world significance because it gives valuable information on
several major themes of world history and culture. It not only records the invention of Thai
language scripts that are the foundation of the modern scripts used in Thailand by 60
million people, its rare detailed description of the 13th century Thai state of Sukhothai also
reflects universal values shared by many states in the world today. Those values include
good governance, the rule of law, economic freedom, and religious morality, in this case
Buddhism, one of the world's major religions.

Traibhumikatha – It was written by Phaya Lithai (พญาล

ไท) or King Maha Thammaraja I in 1345. It was used to
give
sermon to King’s mother and make merit to people. This
story is
derived from collection and research through over 30
sacred texts
and beautiful rhythmic prose rich in allusions and imagery.
It expounds Buddhist philosophy focused on cosmology,
the study of the nature, structure, and origin of the
universe. This
work is also a treatise on ethics, and the Buddhist faith. It also
meticulously portrayed the picture of hell (Maha Aviji) and heaven
(Tavatingsa) in order to control people’s behavior using Buddhist
faith.
Traibhum, means the three realms: Sensuous realm, Form realm, and Formless
realm.

Phra Ruang’s Proverbs is a collection of traditional Thai

sayings believed to have originated during the Phra Ruang dynasty.
They reflect the ideal way of life of the ancient Thai society.

b.2.2. Ayutthaya Period (1350-1767)

The period produced a variety of forms on diverse subjects. New poetic forms were
created, with different rhyme schemes and metres. Literature in this period comes in three
different contents: Promotes Absolute Monarchy/Royal Institution, Prolong Buddhist
Doctrine, and Praise Emotive Expression.

Ongkan Chaeng Nam or the Oath of

Allegiance – written in the founding period of Ayutthaya
in the King Au Thong’s era. It was a ritual to promote
loyalty and close domestic and foreign alliances. This
script was used to perform in worshipping to Hindu
 Gods (Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva) as an invitation to
be the witnessesss of the ceremony.

Mahajati Kham Luang - The story about the former life

of Bhotisatva as Vessandra before becoming Buddha.
This story
is used in Mahajati Sermon Ceremony up to the present
time.
Also, Buddhists believed that the merit of listening to the
sermon
completely in one day will bring ones to heaven or
reborn in the
Mettraiya era.

Lilit Phra Lo – The tragic love

story between the heirs of the two hostile kingdoms. The plot
came from a folk tale in the north of Thailand. It is a long narrative
poem with an unusual romance, a contest of rival magic, an erotic
climax, and a blood-soaked ending. It has been condemned as
feudal and indulgent, but celebrated for its flowing poetry and
emotional power.

b.2.3. Thonburi Period (1767-1782)

Despite its short period of 15 years, Thon Buri produced Ramakien, a verse drama
to which King Thaksin the Great contributed his poetic talent. The revival of literature at this
time is remarkable since the country had not quite recovered from the aftermath of war.
Some poets who later became a major force in the early Rattanakosin Period had already
begun writing at this time. Contents in Thonburi literature are: Revive Ayutthaya’s heritage
and Historical account.

The Ramakien is one of Thailand's

national epics, derived from the Buddhist
Dasaratha Jataka. Ramakien is an important part
of the Thai literary canon. The Ramakian is a
fascinating tale about good triumphing over evil
following the battle between King Rama and
Tosakanth, the King of the Demons. Tosakanth
falls in love with King Rama’s queen, named Sida. He kidnaps her and takes her to his
palace in Krung Longka in hopes that she will fall in love with him. Naturally, a magnificent
battle ensues as King Rama tries to save his queen. Although Tosakanth has a powerful
demon army and evil magic spells at his disposal, King Rama has Hanuman (the god-king
of the apes) who leads an army of both monkey and human warriors, helping King Rama
defeat Tosakanth and win back Sida.

Nirat Phraya Mahanuphapor Nirat

Kwangtung –
Phraya
Manuhaphap
wrote the first
Nirat poem about a journey to a foreign country,
based on his experience on 1781. It was written in
klon verse containing a description of the actual
journey.

b.2.4. Rattanakosin Period (1782-1932)

It is only natural that many of the early Rattanakosin works should deal with war
and military strategy. When peace finally came, order was restored. Laws of the country
 were revised and historical events were once again systematically recorded. During this
period there sprang a great wealth of Buddhist literature. There were a great number of
emotive literary works in the early Rattanakosin period, some modeled on Ayutthaya and
Thon Buri traditions, others being new creations. Literature has been closely associated
with Thai life. In the earlier times, it was often recited at ceremonies and on other
traditional occasions. What is striking about the literature of the Rattanokosin Period is that
all the kings have played an important part in promoting and creating literary works. Their
contributions and dedications to the literary cause have led to the proliferation of
high-quality literary outputs whether they were original works or translations.
This period has also been a start for literatures depicting the reconstruction of Arts
and Letters, Human Resources, Romance, Social Criticism, Nationalism, Literary
Convention, and Foreign Literary Influences.

Phleng Yao nirat Rob Phama Thi Tha

Dindaeng – It it a record of events during war in
the reign of King Rama; war betweween Siam
and Burma.

Lilit Taleng Phai – Inspired by the real

event of
battle between King Naresuan of
Ayutthaya and the Prince of Burma.

b.3. Contemporary Thai Literature or the Modern Thai Literature

This period of literature started from 1932 to present times. Generally, contents of
contemporary literature are as follows:
b.3.1. Romance

b.3.2. Promoting Social Classes Equality

b.3.3. Literature for Life Sake or Socialism-influenced Literature

 b.3.4. Against Communism and Promotes Monarchy

b.3.5. Reflex Rural and Urban Problem

b.3.6. Political Issue

C. Key Persons in Thai Literature

c.1. Phrabat Somdet Phra Phuttha Yotfa Chula Lok
Maha Rat King Rama I (A.D. 1782-1809, B.E. 2325-2352) –
a devout Buddhist who strictly obeyed the doctrine of Lord
Buddha, was intent on promoting Buddhism in Thailand. The
King also compiled and revised the Tripitaka and kept it at a
certain place. Tripitaka are the writings which describe how
good Buddhists should behave. In this period of freedom
from war, the King and his people paid special attention to
Literature and Fine Arts, bringing about a literary
renaissance. The King joined famous poets in converting the
Indian Epic Literature of Ramayana into Thai verses (The
Ramakien.) The most famous Thai poet during this reign was
Sunthon Phu who wrote interesting Thai literature.
c.2. Phrabat Somdet Phra Phuttha Loetla
Naphalai King Rama II (A.D. 1809-1824, B.E.
 2352-
2367) – This was a golden age for Thai literature
because Thailand became peaceful and prosperous.
During this time of security and consequent prosperity.
King Rama II was able to devote his time to literary
works. Among his many literary achievements is the
verse play tiled Inao, which made him one of the most
renowned playwrights in Thai history. His version of the
Ramakian for the masked dance drama was frequently
staged in his palace. Other titles include Sung Thong,
Kawi, Mani Pichai and Krai Thong.

c.3. Phrabat SomdetPhra Nangklao Chaoyuhua

King Rama III (A.D. 1824-1851, B.E. 2367-2394) –
Realising that education is very important, the King
wanted to see people become literate. His idea was to
use temples as centres of studies so people could get
knowledge. Therefore, the King constructed and restored
many temples. Stone inscriptions giving knowledge and
textbooks and scriptures were placed in the temples. A
printing press in Thailand was established, and for the
first time, the Thai alphabet was put into print during this
reign. These were regarded as great accomplishments
for King Rama Ill.

c.4. Phrabat Somdet Phra Chomklao

Chaoyuhua King Rama IV (A.D. 1851-1868,
B.E.
2394-2411) – King Mongkut was the first Thai
monarch to be openly receptive to Western
influences and ideas. Taking this opportunity,
the
King introduced the studies of foreign
languages,
especially English, to Thailand. As such, foreign
influenced literature started to promulgate in this
period.

c.5. Somdet Phra Mongkutkgaochaoyuhua

King Rama VI (A.D. 1910-1925, B.E. 2453-2%68) –
Being a skilled writer and poet, he fostered Thai
nationalism by producing stories that glorified ancient
Thai heroes and culture in a stream of plays, and
newspaper articles written under several pen names.
The King also composed one of Siam' s best known
patriotic songs. "Stammanusti" (The realisation of Thai
people) that relates to events in Thai history and the
Thai people's struggle for survival of independence.
c.6. Phra Sunthonwohan or
Sunthorn Phu (1786-1855), poet
of the
Rattanakosin period
(1772-present), has
become known as the People's
Poet of
Thailand. In 1986, the
bicentennial of his
birth, UNESCO officially
recognized his
 eminence. Critics have likened him to
Shakespeare and Chaucer in the range,
quality, and national importance of his
works.
The two most notable works being Nirat Mueang Klaeng, a poem about a
journey he made to see his father in faraway Rayong, and his classic work Phra
Aphai Mani which was written over several decades and tells the story of the
adventures of two fictional Princes of the Thai Royal Court. Phra Aphai Mani is
over 30,000 lines long and a hugely important historical account of the early 19th
Century in Thailand.

D. Ramakien: Core Thai Literary Work

Ramakien (Ramayana in India) is the tale of the God Vishnu who incarnated as Rama to punish the
Yaksa Totsagan. This is the story of Phra Ram and his Consort Sita (Naang Siidaa). Ramakian is one of the
foundations of Buddhist Literature in Thailand, and is taught in every Primary school.
The Ramayana, came to Southeast Asia by means of Indian traders and scholars who traded with
the kingdoms of Khmer (such as Funan and Angkor) and Java (Srivijaya), with whom the Indians shared
close economic and cultural ties.
The spread and popularity of Ramayana over the centuries may be seen in the number of variations
of the story in the region. By the Dhonburi period of Thai history, the Thai version of the Ramayana (The
Story of Rama) had been renamed Ramakien (The Glory of Rama) while the same story became known as
Ram-Lak in the Lao version. Although older versions of Ramakien are extant, such as a book dated to the
Dhonburi period, the most complete version of the Ramakien is the "Rama I version", an epic poem
composed by King Rama I in the 18th century.
In the late first millennium, the epic was adopted by the Thai people, who had migrated to
Southeast Asia from southern China. The oldest recordings of the early Sukhothai kingdom, dating from the
thirteenth century, include stories from the Ramayana legends. The history of the legends was told in the
shade theater (Thai: หนัง, Nang), a shadow-puppet show in a style adopted from Indonesia, in which the
characters were portrayed by leather dolls manipulated to cast shadows on a nearby screen while the
spectators watched from the other side.
The Thai version of the legends were first written down in eighteenth century, during the Ayutthaya
kingdom, following the demise of the Sukhothai government. Most editions, however, were lost when the
city of Ayutthaya was destroyed by armies from Burma (modern Myanmar) in the year 1767.
The version recognized today was compiled in the kingdom of Siam under the supervision of King
Rama I (1736-1809), the founder of the Chakri dynasty, which still maintains the throne of Thailand.
Between the years of 1797 and 1807, Rama I supervised the writing of the well-known edition and even
wrote parts of it. It was also under the reign of Rama I that construction began on the Thai Grand Palace in
Bangkok, which includes the grounds of the Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. The walls
of the Wat Phra Kaew are lavishly decorated with paintings representing stories from the Ramakien.
Rama II (1766-1824) further adapted his father's edition of the Ramakien for the khon drama, a
form of theater performed by non-speaking Thai dancers with elaborate costumes and masks. Narrations
from the Ramakien were read by a chorus to one side of the stage. This version differs slightly from the one
compiled by Rama I, giving an expanded role to Hanuman, the god-king of the apes, and adding a happy
ending.
Since its introduction to the Thai people, the Ramakien has become a firm component of the
culture. Though many consider it only an adaptation of a strange work from an archaic system of beliefs, it
is firmly embedded in the cultural history of the country and the people. The Ramakien of Rama I is
considered one of the masterpieces of the Thai literature. It is still read, and is taught in the country's
schools.
IV. ASSESSMENT
The students should be able to answers the following questions to measure how efficient the lesson being
taught.
1. What are the four periods of Thai literature?
2. From the four periods of Thai literature, what do you think has the most influence and brought
changes to Thai literature?
3. Why do you think Sun thorn Phu seen as the People’s Poet of Thailand?
4. Why do you think Ramakien is significant to Thai literature, being the National Epic of Thailand?

V. REFERENCES
Chakri Dynasty. (n.d.). Retrieved from: http://www.thailaws.com/download/thailand/chakridynasty.pdf
Morales M. (2013, March 6). Thailand Literature. Prezi. Retrieved from: https://prezi.com/ztb6lw5-
6aq6/thailand-literature/
Thailand in Brief. (n.d.). Thailand Embassy. Retrieved from: https://thaiembdc.org/about-thailand/thailand-in
 brief/
Thai Studies. (2018, May 10). Documen.site. Retrieved from:
https://documen.site/download/thai-studies_pdf Tour the Story of Ramakien at Bangkok’s Grand Palace. (n.d.)
Diethelm Travel. Retrieved from:
https://www.diethelmtravel.com/tour-the-story-of-the-ramakien-at-bangkoks-grand-palace/
Ramakien, from Ramayana to the National Epic of Thailand. (n.d.) Veda Knowledge Online. Retrieved from:
http://veda.wikidot.com/info:ramakien

Reporters: Bote, Vanna Norlette E. Cata, Lyka M. & Dioquino, Wilbert T.