Kanyanusorn: A Cremation Book for Expressing Siamese Intellectuals’ Concept of Women in the Reign of King Rama VI

Abstract

The aim of this article is to essentially study Siamese intellectuals’ concept of women in the reign of King Rama VI, appearing in Kanyanusorn, a cremation book dedicated to the memory of Miss Lamom Sriboonrueang.  The results of the study show that the Siamese intellectuals utilized the above-mentioned literature as a space to eulogize those who had been outstanding women, demonstrating that regardless of race, religion or even social class, women contributed in significant ways to society at large and they possessed distinct qualifications not different from men in former times. The Siamese intellectuals also illustrated the image of Miss Lamom Sriboonrueang as a “competent” and “good” progressive woman to honour and respect the deceased.  It is also a way to enable their readers to associate more concretely with the idea that such women of great competence actually existed in Siamese society. Moreover, Siamese intellects used new literary techniques to praise Miss Lamom Sriboonrueang. These actions demonstrate that the deceased as a woman and a commoner played a significant role as a modern thinker and writer as well as the daughter who behind the successes of Mr.Seaw Hudseng Sriboonrueang, a Sino-Siamese who occupied a significant role during the latter period of absolute monarchy in Thai Society.