2024/06/10
Biography of Sunthorn Phu
Sunthorn PhuorPhra Sunthornwohan (Phu)was a poet during the early Rattanakosin period, recognized asthe Shakespeare of ThailandHe served as a royal scribe in the court during the reign ofPhra Bat Somdet Phra Phutthaloetla Naphalai(Rama II). After the end of his reign, he entered the monkhood for 20 years before returning to royal service again late in the reign of Phra Bat Somdet Phra Nangklao Chao Yu Hua (Rama III).
Sunthorn Phu's father was from Ban Kram, Klaeng District, Rayong Province, as believed according to the royal composition of H.R.H. Prince Damrong Rajanubhab, "The Life and Works of Sunthorn Phu," and also appearing inNirat Mueang Klaengby Sunthorn Phu himself.
Sunthorn Phu's father was from Ban Kram, Klaeng District, Rayong Province, as believed according to the royal composition of H.R.H. Prince Damrong Rajanubhab, "The Life and Works of Sunthorn Phu," and also appearing inNirat Mueang Klaengby Sunthorn Phu himself.
It is believed that in his childhood, Sunthorn Phu studied with monks atWat Chipakhao Monasteryaccording to a passage found inNirat SuphanLater, as a young man, Sunthorn Phu secretly fell in love with a lady-in-waiting in the Rear Palace named Mae Chan, who came from a noble family. This angered the Rear Palace Prince, who ordered both of them to be flogged and imprisoned.
However, when the Rear Palace Prince passed away in B.E. 2349 (1806 C.E.), a general amnesty was granted to all those who had been punished, as an act of merit. After Sunthorn Phu was released from prison, he traveled to visit his father in Mueang Klaeng, Rayong Province. During this journey, Sunthorn Phu composedNirat Mueang Klaengdescribing the various travel conditions in detail and concluding that it was written for Mae Chan. Upon his return from Mueang Klaeng, Sunthorn Phu took Mae Chan as his wife.
Not long after returning from Mueang Klaeng, Sunthorn Phu had to accompany Prince Pathomwong as a royal page to the Makha Bucha ceremony at Phra Phutthabat, present-day Saraburi, in B.E. 2350 (1807 C.E.). Sunthorn Phu composedNirat Phra Batdescribing the events of this journey as well.
Not long after returning from Mueang Klaeng, Sunthorn Phu had to accompany Prince Pathomwong as a royal page to the Makha Bucha ceremony at Phra Phutthabat, present-day Saraburi, in B.E. 2350 (1807 C.E.). Sunthorn Phu composedNirat Phra Batdescribing the events of this journey as well.
Sunthorn Phu entered royal service in the Department of Royal Scribes in B.E. 2359 (1816 C.E.) during the reign of Rama II. When Phra Bat Somdet Phra Phutthaloetla Naphalai was composing a dramatic poem for "Ramakien" and encountered difficulties, with no one able to continue the verse to his satisfaction, he commanded Sunthorn Phu to try. Sunthorn Phu's composition proved excellent and pleased the King, who graciously promoted him toKhun Sunthornwohan
Sunthorn Phu served for only 8 years. In B.E. 2367 (1824 C.E.), Phra Bat Somdet Phra Phutthaloetla Naphalai passed away. After that, Sunthorn Phu entered the monkhood.
After leaving the monkhood, Sunthorn Phu received patronage from Chao Fa Noi, or Somdet Chao Fa Chutamani Krom Khun Itsaret Rangsan, and composed the story ofPhra Aphai Maniwhich he presented to Krom Muen Apsornsudathep.
When Phra Bat Somdet Phra Chom Klao Chao Yu Hua later ascended the throne, he elevated Chao Fa Noi to Phra Bat Somdet Phra Pinklao Chao Yu Hua. Sunthorn Phu was then appointed as the Chief Royal Scribe of the Front Palace, with the title ofPhra Sunthornwohan
Sunthorn Phu resided in the area of the Old Palace, near the sitting hall of Phraya Montriyanban (Bua), with a private partitioned room known as "Sunthorn Phu's Room." It is believed that Sunthorn Phu lived here until his passing in B.E. 2398 (1855 C.E.), at the age of 69.
Sunthorn Phu's famous works are numerous, including Nirat Phukhao Thong, Nirat Suphan, Phleng Yao Thawai Owat, Kap Phra Chai Suriya, Phra Aphai Mani, and many others. Furthermore, several of Sunthorn Phu's literary works are part of current educational curricula.
Sunthorn Phu's famous works are numerous, including Nirat Phukhao Thong, Nirat Suphan, Phleng Yao Thawai Owat, Kap Phra Chai Suriya, Phra Aphai Mani, and many others. Furthermore, several of Sunthorn Phu's literary works are part of current educational curricula.
Particularly the literary workPhra Aphai Maniwhich was praised by the Literature Club as the pinnacle of narrative verse literature and the work that most profoundly showcases Sunthorn Phu's skills, knowledge, and perspectives.
And in B.E. 2529 (1986 C.E.), Sunthorn Phu was also honored byUNESCOas a significant world figure in literature.
Due to Sunthorn Phu's numerous and beautiful literary works, everyJune 26this designated as Sunthorn Phu Day, an important day for Thai literature. Various locations organize activities to promote and preserve Thai poetic art, especially in Rayong Province, around the Sunthorn Phu Monument, where folk performances and parades are regularly held annually to commemorate Sunthorn Phu.
Address: Kram Subdistrict, Klaeng District, Rayong Province
Opening hours: 06:00-18:00
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ebciwcff33KhnpNc8
Due to Sunthorn Phu's numerous and beautiful literary works, everyJune 26this designated as Sunthorn Phu Day, an important day for Thai literature. Various locations organize activities to promote and preserve Thai poetic art, especially in Rayong Province, around the Sunthorn Phu Monument, where folk performances and parades are regularly held annually to commemorate Sunthorn Phu.
Address: Kram Subdistrict, Klaeng District, Rayong Province
Opening hours: 06:00-18:00
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ebciwcff33KhnpNc8
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