Concepts of rulers in “Thai Translation of Chinese Chronicle Narratives” of Somdet Chao Phraya Borom Maha Srisuriyawongse (Chuang Bunnag)
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Abstract
Background and objective (s): The “Thai Translation of Chinese Chronicle Narratives” is a significant work of Chinese literary translation into Thai, which holds importance both in the realm of literature and in its relationship with society since the early Rattanakosin period of King Rama I and II. This work is particularly notable for its reflection of political governance ideas. Later, during the reign of King Rama IV to the early years of King Rama V, A.D. 1851-1910, Somdet Chao Phraya Borom Maha Srisuriyawongse (Chuang Bunnag) created a new set of “Thai Translation of Chinese Chronicle Narratives”, continuing the work from the early Rattanakosin era. The research for this article, therefore, aimed to study the political philosophy of rulers in this collection, which consists of six texts: Sai Chin, Tang Chin, Nam Song, Chan Thang Ngor To, Meng Chiao, and Meng Mua Seng Cho. The study compared these works with the original Chinese texts and investigated the factors that contributed to the differences in the details of these political concepts.
Methodology: The researcher undertook a comparative analysis of the texts “Thai Translation of Chinese Chronicle Narratives” with the original works. This study aimed to assess how the translation influenced the presentation of the concepts of rulers, which are more prominently featured in the target texts.
Main result: “Thai Translation of Chinese Chronicle Narratives” of Somdet Chao Phraya Borom Maha Srisuriyawongse (Chuang Bunnag) is a translated and composed work based on popular fiction written during the Ming and Qing dynasties. These stories narrate the events of various reigns and the transitions between many dynasties. The concepts of rulers in the Thai version highlight concepts such as justness, wisdom and the power of accumulated merit of rulers, different from the original Chinese texts that focus on notions of the Mandate of Heaven and Confucian principles regarding leadership. The differing concepts resulted from the adaptation of ideas that aligned with Thai perspectives on leadership. Additionally, the intent of the translator, or translation patron, was to craft a work that embodies the characteristics of a "chronicle."
Relevance to Thai Studies: This study will help to enhance an understanding of Thai literature translated from foreign literature during the reigns of King Rama IV and V. Additionally, the study seeks to elucidate the relationship between translated literature and the societal context of that era.
Conclusion: The concept of rulers found in “Thai Translation of Chinese Chronicle Narratives” by Somdet Chao Phraya Borom Maha Srisuriyawongse was adjusted to be clearer and more cohesive as compared to the original Chinese texts. This adaptation resulted from the process of translation and revision, which aimed to create a new text within the framework of Thai literary conventions. Such adjustments were designed to align with the translator's objective of producing the “Thai Translation of Chinese Chronicle Narratives” to illustrate the qualities of a ruler and to teach principles of governance.
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