Journal of Thai Studies

In Praise of Star Tuskers: Domesticated Elephants and their Positive Images in Thai Contemporary Songs

2023-08-08T14:21:48+07:00

Background and objective: Domesticated elephants, the national animals of Thailand,have been stigmatized for many decades. Their status is so low that they have been negatively labelled as “street beggars.” However, after almost a decade of their ways of life presented through online media, an opposite image has interestingly emerged and can be found in the lyrics of online Thai contemporary songs. This research aims to examine the images of domesticated elephants through the lyrics of Thai contemporary songs posted on www.youtube.com.
Methodology: This article is qualitative research. The data was selected through the above-mentioned website by considering only those songs with 10,000 views or more. Accordingly, 28 Thai contemporary songs posted on www.youtube.com in 2021-2022 were analyzed. The images of domesticated elephants included in five songs are presented in this paper.

Main result: The study reveals seven images of the elephants, in descending order of frequency: (1) those that cause viewers happiness and contentedness, (2) as supporters of tourism in Thailand, (3) those that join in prolonging the age of Buddhism, (4) those that cause their mahouts and watchers auspiciousness, (5) those that carry on the elephant legends of Surin province and Thailand, (6) those that open mor al paths for religious followers to fulfill merit gathering, and (7) as shelters for th eir own mahouts and other related ones.

Relevance to Thai Studies: This research not only provides new data and research on the national animals of Thailand, but also academically highlights another aspect of Thai studies in the boundary of present-day Thailand by examining what relates to Thai citizens with different ethnic backgrounds, apart from previous research widely conducted on Tai ethnic groups inside or outside Thailand. Furthermore, this research hopes to amplify the voices of marginal animals and people and bring their obscure images to light in order to reach a better understanding among different ethnic groups of Thai citizens and towards stigmatized animals.

Conclusion: Those earlier-mentioned seven images are all positive and are from the perspectives of composers who pay close attention to the lives of domesticated elephants through online media. They then, through the lyrics of Thai contemporary songs, throw light on the significance of the social, cultural and economic aspects of these animals.

The Policy of the Thai Government Regarding the Dutch Prisoners of War in Thailand after the End of the Second Word War

2022-03-10T08:54:18+07:00

Background and objective[S]: After the Second World War, the Thai government had to take care of and assist the prisoners of war who were allied soldiers, including the Dutch who had been forced to perform labor during the Second World War. This policy was part of the efforts of the Thai government that wanted the Netherlands, one of the allied nations, to agree to reconcile with Thailand. Therefore, this research aims to study the policy of the Thai government regarding Dutch prisoners of war between 1945 and 1947.
Methodology: The study employed a historical approach to analyze documentary data and generate a descriptive analytical report. The research underscores the importance of leveraging primary evidence obtained from the National Archives of Thailand.

Main result: Thailand, after the end of the Second World War, had many Dutch prisoners of war. These prisoners had been forced by the Japanese Army to be laborers during the war and were left sporadic around the country after the end of the fighting. The Thai government, bearing an uncertain status at that time, had adopted diplomatic policies to show its desire to help the Allies. These included the treatment of the prisoners of war who had been hidden during the war and the welcoming of Dutch refugees who fled the civil war in Indonesia. However, during the period of waiting before being repatriated to their motherland, there had been skirmishes between the Dutch prisoners of war and the Thai people because of the attitude of the Dutch who believed that they were the winner and the Thai government and its people were the loser. The Dutch, therefore, had a behavior akin to a colonist governing its colony rather than treating the Thai government as an independent country. The Thai government appeared patient and compromising with these problems and tried to please the Dutch government because the rapprochement between Thailand and the Netherlands relied on the Thai government’s policy towards the Dutch prisoners of war.
Relevance to Thai Studies: This study provides a framework for the study of the history of Dutch prisoners of war in Thailand during the post-World War II period.
Conclusion: After the end of the Second World War, the Thai government sought to re-establish its relationship with the Netherlands. Nevertheless, the issue of the Dutch prisoners of war living in Thailand was a significant matter. Therefore, the Thai government
prioritized these prisoners of war, insisting that they live comfortably before being repatriated to their fatherland.

Recalling Lan Xang: Short Stories and Novels of Contemporary Isan Writers as Minor Literature and Affective History

2023-02-10T12:51:27+07:00

Background and objective (s): Since 2007, writers from Northeast Thailand (also known as Isan) have begun to revisit the history and literary culture of the premodern Lao kingdom of Lan Xang and connect them to Thailand’s political crisis in the present. This essay examines a historical aspect of literary works by three contemporary Isan writers published between 2007-2022, Chatchawan Khotsongkhram, Phu Kra-dart, and Manote Phromsing. Through Gilles Deleuze and Félix Guattari’s notion of minor literature, I propose to delineate prominent thematic and poetic features of these works and to consider the relationship between such characteristics of minor literature with the evocation of sensory and emotional experiences through references to legendary, historical, and literary accounts of the Lan Xang kingdom.
Methodology: In this article, I draw on Gilles Deleuze and Félix Guattari’s notion of minor literature as a theoretical framework for an analysis of short stories and novels by contemporary Isan writers, especially in terms of their shared engagement with the politics of language, the retelling of history and the evocation of emotion. I also adopt a conceptual framework of affect theory to elaborate on the ways in which these works evoke affective experiences to connect the past with the present.

Main result: The works of Chatchawan Khotsongkhram, Phu Kra-dart and Manote Phromsing, I argue, can be considered minor literature based on their prominent features. This includes the deterritorialization of language through the use of Lao-Isan language, the connection of the individual to a political immediacy, especially with regard to the political desires of Lao ethnic groups across historical contexts, and the collective assemblage of enunciation that foregrounds a shared experience of the ethnic groups
through intertextual references to Lan Xang literature. Altogether, these literary features convey history in affective terms, connecting the past with the present through sensory and emotional experiences.

Relevance to Thai Studies: This article studies a literary phenomenon in the context of contemporary Thai politics and society, focusing on the complexity of defining Thai identity. In the works by regional writers under review, the authors often interrogate and explore the ideas of ethnic identity and transnational history. In this case, the revival of Lan Xang history and literary culture beckons us to reconsider Isan identity in the context of Thai-Lao relations.

Conclusion: Through an analysis of short stories and novels by contemporary Isan writers as minor literature, this article demonstrates how these authors rewrite the history of the Lao-Isan ethnic groups as nonlinear, transhistorical and affective. This suggests that a history of these “minoritized peoples” often involves the problems of geographical displacement or dislocation from cultural roots. The case of contemporary Isan fiction exemplifies that the dislocation from traditional referentiality leads to the revival of Lan Xang and to mobilize this historical attachment as a critique of political violence rather than a nostalgic desire for the idealized past. Taking into account the political context of these works, we can discern that Thailand’s political crisis and violence since the late 1990s are central concerns of Isan writers. Through the imagery of Lan Xang, the stories thread together episodes of political violence from the premodern period to the Cold War and contemporary politics.

A Eulogy for His Majesty King Buddha Lert La Nabhalai Through the Literature Record of a Coronation Ceremony in the Rattanakosin Period

2022-12-16T10:42:49+07:00

Background and objective [S]: A Eulogy for His Majesty King Buddha Lert La Nabhalai was composed by Phra Nangklao Chaoyuhua (King Rama III). The literature has been categorized as eulogistic literature since it contained common characteristics of literature that praises a king. However, this literature has outstanding characteristics to distinguish it from other eulogy literature, especially the content that records the events of the coronation of King Rama II in its entirety through a literary manner. Therefore, the researcher is interested in using this literature to study according to the concept of genre theory. The objective of this study was to examine the specific characteristics of A Eulogy for His Majesty King Buddha Lert La Nabhalai and to investigate whether it can be classified as a literature record of a coronation ceremony in the Rattanakosin period. This study portrays the value of this literature in the aspect of coronation record literature and is useful for further study of the classification of Thai literature.

Methodology: This study was qualitative research analyzing literary data according to the objectives of the study by considering the concept of literature classification, along with the body of knowledge about coronation ceremonies, presenting the results of the study
in an analytical descriptive manner.

Findings: A Eulogy for His Majesty King Buddha Lert La Nabhalai contained five key characteristics: 1) The eulogy was recorded based on the author’s experience who attended the royal ceremony. 2) The eulogy included background knowledge of the coronation ceremony and demonstration of the legitimate right in the accession of the monarch. 3) The eulogy recorded the main process of conducting the coronation ceremony. 4) The eulogy specified the place, people and equipment used in the ceremony completely. 5) The eulogy conveyed narration of the event and atmosphere, along with the feeling of appreciation of the participants in the ceremony. Moreover, literary techniques used were outstanding in terms of prosody in klong type of poetry, leading to sounds and rhythms while reading, as well as the selection of literary language, including both word selection and metaphor usage to describe the atmosphere of the ceremony and the sentiment. Consequently, this literature contains the specific characteristics of the recording of a royal ceremony that was different from other types of recordings, such as royal chronicles that often employed language to describe stories rather than depicting images and sentiments. According to the above specific characteristics, this literature was meticulously written with literary value and can be classified as a literature record of a coronation ceremony.

Relevance to Thai Studies: This study is a key guideline for studying the classification of Thai literature. The research examines the relationship between the creation of literature and the coronation ceremony through Thai literary tradition. This also enhances knowledge about the coronation ceremony of King Buddha Lert La Nabhalai and the history of Thai literature in the Rattanakosin period.

Conclusion: A Eulogy for His Majesty King Buddha Lert La Nabhalai is not only valuable literature as a eulogy, but also valuable as a literary record of the coronation ceremony. This literature was composed directly from the content of the coronation of King Buddha Lertla Nabhalai with the harmony of praise of the king in a literary manner. It is worth noting that some literature in later periods was also composed in the same way as this literature. For example, in Khlong Lilit Suphap Tamrap Phraboromrachaphisek Sapdama Ratcha Maha Chakkriwong B.E.2468, the coronation ceremony of King Prajadhipok (King Rama VII) was recorded in detail. It could be considered that A Eulogy for His Majesty King Buddha Lert La Nabhalai was a key starting point for the composition of the literature record of coronation ceremonies, resulting in the creation of the same characteristic of this literature that was more concrete and clearer in the later period.

Methods of Constructing Images of a ‘Southern Region Community’ from the Southern Historical Literary Work Series History of Phatthalung-Trang (Early Period)

2023-05-30T14:47:13+07:00

Background and objective (s): The Southern historical literary work series of Phatthalung- Trang (early period)” was written by Chan Chaijun and Phat Phonchai during 1953-1954. An interesting aspect of this literary series is the use of different methods to construct a ‘Southern region community’, which has a hidden political ideology, and is also related to the direction of the community images. Therefore, the research for this article aimed to study methods used to construct images of a ‘Southern region community’ from the Southern historical literary work series history of Phatthalung-Trang (Early Period)”.
Methodology: The researcher selected the Southern historical literary works that appeared in booklet format. The characteristics of the books are similar to the Wat Koh books of the central region. The author was identiﬁed as a Southerner and provided details about the characteristics of society in Southern Thailand. The research emphasizes text interpretation. The ﬁndings are presented in a descriptive analysis method.

Main result: The results revealed that the author used two methods of constructing images of a “Southern Region Community”: the use of nine linguistic strategies and three narrative strategies. All these methods supported six images of an “Ideal of Southern Region Community”: 1) images of the leader, 2) images of geography, 3) images of the economy, 4) socio-cultural images, 5) images of the environment and 6) i mages of politics and administration.

Relevance to Thai Studies: This article relates to Thai studies in terms of dissemination of new knowledge on local literary studies that show the importance of studying texts in a particular area that are closely related to that society, in this case, the South, which is a part of Thailand. The study also reflects the relationship between literature and history, namely the transition of the text from writing to printing. The study guidelines of this article can be applied to literary texts in other regions of Thailand.

Conclusion: The results show the wisdom of Thai people in the creation of local literature in terms of using linguistics and narrative constructed images of a ‘Southern region community’ and helps build an appreciation of the aesthetics of local literature.

“Pha Khao” – the White Recluse: Origins and Integration of Ordination in a Forest Monastery in the School of Venerable Man Bhuridatto

2023-03-16T10:48:20+07:00

Background and objectives (s) : “Pha Khao” – the White Recluse – is a religious lifestyle of people in the Indo-Chinese Peninsula that appears in historical evidence and legends. This lifestyle has been incorporated into the preparation for ordination in forest monasteries in the Dhammayutika and Mahanikaya sects, of which the abbots are the pupils of Venerable Man Bhūridatto. The research for this article aimed to analyze the history and religious ideas of the White Recluse wearing white or undyed clothes in Thai culture and the integration of the White Recluse lifestyle into the ordination in the forest monastery school headed by Venerable Man Bhūridatto, which later became the tradition in northeastern forest monasteries.

Methodology: This was documentary research analyzing the idea of the White Recluse focusing on words and references to the White Recluse and similar ideas in historical evidence and Thai legends. The results of the study were analyzed with respect to the preparation of ordination from the biography of Venerable Man and some analytical studies regarding him.

Main result: It was found that the White Recluse might have origins in both Brahminism- Hinduism and Buddhism. In Brahmanism-Hinduism, white clothes are the costume for a Brahmin who acquires religious knowledge of scriptures and rituals. The white color is a symbol of purity. It was, therefore, the color worn by other pious people in ancient India, including by Buddhist laypeople. In Thai culture, the wearing of white garments symbolizes adherence to a religious lifestyle, often characterized by a focus on spiritual fulfillment and celibacy, thereby reflecting a commitment to values beyond mere sensational gratification. They have their head shaved or unshaved, and either stay in a place or wander. Their religious belief is unidentifiable. They can be Buddhist laypeople who take care of a stupa or monastery; service the monks and assist with the rituals; observe precepts and practice meditation at a monastery; or in preparation for ordination during pre-ordination ceremonies in Lanna and Northeastern Khmer culture. The pious life of the White Recluse has been applied in the pre-ordination period in the forest monasteries of the Dhammayuttika and Mahanikaya sects. As tradition has it, the practice of being a White Recluse before the ordination was developed in Wat Bavornnivetviharn. It is also said that Venerable Man Bhūridatto began the tradition after he was asked to be a teacher for some newly ordained monks for the first time. During the pre-ordination period, a man who wants to become a monk is required to wear a white robe and live a monastic life under the guidance of his teacher for a couple of months. Living such a life, he can pay full attention to get used to the religious lifestyle. If he abandons the ordination, this will not affect the monkhood.

Relevance to Thai Studies: The research for this article explored the origin of the White Recluse lifestyle in religious culture of Thai. As history and legend have it, the White Recluse, in the context of Buddhism, syncretized by Brahmanism-Hinduism and animism, is a person who possesses qualities that transcend those of ordinary householders. In contemporary times, wearing white clothes is emblematic of a commitment to religious knowledge and morality, evolving into a religious lifestyle observed on various occasions.
Conclusion: The White Recluse lifestyle during the pre-ordination period represents an integration of cultural and religious traditions in Thai culture. Wearing a white robe symbolizes a commitment to a spiritual life that transcends the ordinary, expressing the wearer's sincere intention to embark on a religious journey. This choice of attire serves as a visual reminder, encouraging the individual to remain mindful of their purpose and make persistent efforts to attain their spiritual goals.

"Sticking Together During the COVID-19 pandemic: LINE's Role in Health Communication and Promotion the Creative Economy"

2023-10-10T08:22:13+07:00

Background and objectives (s) : The research for this paper investigated the importance of LINE stickers related to the COVID-19 pandemic in health communication and its potential association with the creative economy.

Methodology: The qualitative research method that was used focused on a content analysis of 570 series of LINE stickers sold through the Line Store from early 2020 to August 2021.

Main result: The results of the research indicate that LINE stickers emphasize words of encouragement, impacts on mental health and emotional expressions. Other popular content includes pandemic prevention, precautionary measures, warnings against fake news,
reflections on state policies and campaigns. The two main purposes of the communications are instruction/request for action and persuasion/education. The stickers offered more positive sentiments (optimism/encouraging/fun) rather than negative ones (stress/depression/ mockery). Creativity can help develop a LINE sticker business to create economic value, such as working as a character designer or an entrepreneur, obtaining intellectual property rights and building brand awareness, all of which are consistent with the concept of creative economy development in Thailand.

Relevance to Thai Studies: The research for this paper contributes to Thai Studies by offering a multidimensional analysis of how digital culture, through LINE stickers, intersects with health communication, economic innovation and societal responses to a global
health crisis. The research provides valuable insights into the role of digital technologies in contemporary Thai society, the creative economy and the potential for digital tools in enhancing public health communication and policy.

Conclusion: The study reveals LINE stickers were used in Thailand's COVID-19 response, blending health communication, economic innovation and societal resilience through digital culture. The research showcases the importance of digital tools in public health
strategies and economic growth, highlighting their impact on Thai society.