Exploring the Epic Legacy and Personal Saga of Thai Poetic Pioneer: Sunthorn Phu
Whackin' it on June 26th, Thailand rejoices as Sunthorn Phu Day, commemorating Thailand's most beloved poet, the legendary Sunthorn Phu. This cat has got the global art world buzzing, grabbing a spot among the world's biggest historical literary heavyweights.
Born smack dab in the middle of King Rama I's reign, on June 26, 1786, Sunthorn Phu (later known as Phra Sunthorn Voharn) has kept us culturally captivated with his literary legend. Known for his timeless contributions to the Thai literature scene, his most unforgettable masterpieces include "The Tale of Khun Chang Khun Phaen," "Nirat Phu Khao Thong," and "Suphasit Son Ying (Proverbs for Women)," to name a few. Many of these works are still jam-packed in the Thai school curriculum, playing a crucial role in the country's identity.
Sunthorn Phu's roots were humble, with a father from Ban Kram in Klaeng District, Rayong Province, and a mother from another region. He kicked off his learning journey under the wise guidance of monks at a temple that later became Wat Srisudaram in Bangkok. After a few years, he rain-dropped into royal service, working as a clerk in the Royal Garden Department.
With an unquenchable thirst for verse, Sunthorn Phu quickly gained royal recognition. During King Rama II's time, he was promoted to the royal ranks as Khun Sunthorn Voharn in the Royal Scribes Department and emerged as the trusty literary homie to the king. Particularly known for his royal poetry and revisions of classics like the Ramakien, he was truly a lit kingpin of his era.
Despite facing some brutal life challenges—including penury that forced him to write scripts for a living and even a retreat to monkhood—Sunthorn Phu kept on crankin' out poesy.
In sunshine, he came across renewed support under King Rama III, thanks to royal patronage from Princess Apsornsudathep. In 1851, King Rama IV even uplifted him to the title Phra Sunthorn Voharn and bestowed him with the gig of head of the Royal Scribes Department for the Front Palace. He was comin' up big-time until his departure in 1855 at the grand old age of 70.
To honor his storied legacy, the Thai government cropped June 26th as Sunthorn Phu Day—a day to reflect on our heritage, language, literature, and national identity. Sunthorn Phu's fingerprints continue to stain the academic, artistic, and everyday realms of Thailand, with his verses still sizzling our souls for their poetic grace, wit, and sagacity.
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References:[1] Thai Culture: Poetry and Literature. Accessed March 16, 2023. https://thai-culture-essentials.com/thai-culture/thai-poetry-literature/[2] Thailand's Literary Tradition. Accessed March 16, 2023. https://thaiesque.com/culture/history/literary_tradition/
- The Thai government has designated June 26th as Sunthorn Phu Day, a day to celebrate the life and work of the acclaimed poet, whom many consider a national treasure.
- Sunthorn Phu's works, such as "The Tale of Khun Chang Khun Phaen" and "Suphasit Son Ying (Proverbs for Women)," are still integrated into the Thai school curriculum, underscoring their significance in the nation's education and identity.
- The impact of Sunthorn Phu extends beyond academia, leaving an indelible imprint on the country's lifestyle, home-and-garden, business, culture, and economy.
- In a globalized world, Sunthorn Phu's literary contributions continue to resonate, standing tall among the world's historical literary heavyweights, testimony to his lasting influence on the world of letters.
