THAILAND LITERATURE

THAILAND

Thailand is a Southeast Asian country.

Thailand has over 1,500 miles of coastline, all with absolutely stunning beaches.

Thai Literature was traditionally heavily influenced by Indian culture.

Thailand’s national epic is a version of the Ramayana called the Ramakien.

The Ramakien(Ramayana) is known in Thailand, it is the country's national
epic.Ramayana is said to have arrived in Thailand as early as the 13th century,
whatever was written about these older versions was lost during the destruction
of Ayutthaya in 1767.
War of Ayutthaya
The war began in August 1765 when a 20,000-strong northern Burmese army
invaded northern Siam, and was joined by three southern armies of over 20,000 in
October, in a pincer movement on Ayutthaya.

The city was attacked and razed by the Burmese army in 1767 who burned the
city to the ground and forced the inhabitants to abandon the city. The city was
never rebuilt in the same location and remains known today as an extensive
archaeological site.
THAILAND’S CLASSICAL LITERARY WORKS
1. *Buddhism*: The majority of Thais are Buddhists, and Buddhism plays a
significant role in their lives. Temples (Wat) are important religious and
cultural centers.
2. *Respect*: Thai culture places a strong emphasis on respect, especially
for elders and authority figures. The traditional greeting known as the "wai"
involves placing the hands together in a prayer-like gesture and bowing the
head.
3. *Monarchy*: The Thai monarchy is highly revered, and showing any form
of disrespect towards the royal family is illegal and culturally
unacceptable.
4. *Food*: Thai cuisine is renowned worldwide. Sharing meals is a common
practice.
5. *Clothing*: Modest clothing is preferred, particularly when visiting
temples. Wearing revealing clothing in sacred places is considered
disrespectful.
6. *Festivals*: Thailand hosts a variety of festivals, including Songkran (Thai
New Year), Loy Krathong (Festival of Lights), and Yi Peng Lantern Festival.
7. *Spirit Houses*: Many Thai households have spirit houses, where offerings
are made to local spirits for protection and good luck.
 7. *Spirit Houses*: Many Thai households have spirit houses, where offerings
are made to local spirits for protection and good luck.
8. *Traditional Dance and Music*: Thai classical dance and music are integral
to their culture, with performances often seen at special events and
ceremonies.
9.*Gender Roles*: Traditional gender roles are still prevalent in Thai society,
with women often taking on more domestic responsibilities.
10. *Martial Arts*: Muay Thai (Thai boxing) is a national sport and cultural
martial art with a rich history.

Thailand has a rich tradition of classic dramas, including various forms of

traditional and contemporary theater. Some of the classic Thai drama forms
include:
1. Khon: Khon is a traditional Thai masked dance drama that often depicts
stories from the Ramakien, which is Thailand's version of the Indian epic,
the Ramayana. It features intricate costumes and beautifully crafted
masks.

2. Likay: Likay is a popular form of Thai folk theater that combines singing,
dancing, and storytelling. It's known for its lively and comedic
performances.

3. Lakhon: Lakhon is a genre of classical dance drama that incorporates

intricate hand and body movements. It often portrays historical or
mythological stories.

4. Nang Talung: Nang Talung is a shadow puppetry tradition in Southern

Thailand, where intricately designed leather puppets are used to tell
stories, often accompanied by traditional music.
Inao
The Inao is an important classical literary work in Thailand because it presented the
history of the land, including the people’s traditions, customs, manners, and figures
prominently in the repertoire of classical dramas.
Inao is considered a treasure trove of historical information about Thai customs, habits, and
manners in the early 19th century. It has been called one of the most beautiful poems in Thai
literature. Its rhythm inspired elegant dance movements.

THAILAND’S CLASSICAL POET

Sunthorn Phu
Thailand's most famous classical poet
Famous work
Phra Aphai Mani
poem that describes a fantastical world, where people of many races and religions live
and interact together in harmony.
30,000 lines
Early 20th Century Poets

Phya Anuman Rajadhon

was one of modern Thailand's most remarkable scholars.

He was a self-trained linguist, anthropologist and ethnographer who

became an authority on the culture of Thailand.
Dokmaisod
real name is M.L. Boobpha Nimmanhaemindha
She was a novelist in the pioneering age.
Malai Choopinit
was an expert in his own right in both full length and short stories.
Thung Maharat
a novel based on rural life, and Long Phrai, which is about the adventure in the
forest, are some of his best-known literary works.