Journal of Thai Studies

Chaiyaphruek: A mirror of a “happiness” perspective between the Thai state and people, 1958 -1963

Jarukit Chiangjan — 2025-12-22

Background and objective (s): Among the emotions and sentiments of interest within Thai historiography, “happiness” stands out because of close relationship with Thai society, especially in the early 1960s. Despite recent disciplinary focus, this research significantly contributed to expanding the frontiers of Thai history through the analysis of a Thai magazine (Chaiyaphruek) by spotlighting the role of individuals as historical agents. The research for this article aimed to analyze the emergence of people in Thai society, beginning in the early 1960s. This phenomenon is linked to the subsequent economic expansion, which precipitated a paradigm shift in the connotation of happiness.

Study method: This article is a historical academic paper that utilizes Chaiyaphruek magazine from Vol. 5 No. 1 January 1958 to Vol. 10 No. 24 December 1963. All the data are represented and analyzed in descriptive research.

Main result: The context of Thai society during the Cold War significantly influenced Thai people's understanding and perception of happiness. A number of changes occurred, including the end of the threat from World War II, the rise of anti-communist sentiment,rapid economic expansion and the spread of education to local communities. All these factors contributed to people becoming laborers supporting national development. Because of other conditions, such as a lack of social capital, status by birth or limited economic means, people were compelled to define happiness in a tangible form. This often meant evaluating happiness through monetary value because money could guarantee livelihoods and raise social status. This affected Thai people’s life patterns and behaviors, shifting in line with this new definition. According to the results of this research, people tended to put emphasis on the value of work, which was one of the few ways to earn a monetary income.

Relevance to Thai Studies: This article tries to fill a gap in Thai historiography on the Cold War in two levels; concentrating on emotion and feeling through a case of happiness and second analyzing people’s experience and their historical evidence that appeared in a magazine.

Conclusion: The Thai social context and the populace's experiences in the 1960s resulted in a perspective and meaning of happiness significantly different from other periods. Because this group lacked the economic advantages and "good backgrounds" of the middle class, the people unsurprisingly tended to define happiness based on the cost of living and their family's social status.

War Nirat in the Early Rattanakosin Period: The subgenre and the images of warrior

Pattama Theekaprasertkul — 2025-12-22

Background and objective (s): Nirat – Thai traveling poetry– is a genre of literature that dates from the Ayutthaya period and, so far, has remained in a constant evolution. Most studies of nirat focus on analyzing it as a major literary genre, namely as a nirat. However, with a deeper examination, a variety of noteworthy subgenres can be uncovered, one of which is war nirat. War nirat possesses prominent characteristics and contains representations of warriors, a concept that is not normally discussed in other types of nirat. With this uniqueness in mind, the research for this article aimed to study the distinctive characteristics of war nirat in the early Rattanakosin period, as well as their depictions of warriors.

Methodology: This research was a qualitative study that utilized the concept of literary genres, literary character or person imagery analysis, and examination of the literature’s relationship with social context.

Main result: War nirat is a subgenre of nirat that emerged amidst the social context of the early Rattanakosin period. War nirat follows the literary convention of a nirat, using the expression of longing and sadness from being separated from a beloved one as the main device in the creation process, with a twist that incorporates features of tale literature, panegyric literature and ritualistic literature. With this approach, war nirat infuses perspectives on war into the main theme of longing. Additionally, war nirat depicts the image of the “military warrior,” a common concept found in contemporary works. A “military warrior” would prioritize protecting their city over their own desires, exhibit exceptional combat prowess and bear a brave heart.

Relevance to Thai Studies: Exploring the Thai literary genre of war nirat, this article reveals the creative process employed to produce works that fall into this genre. Among the factors that gave rise to this genre of literature is social context, which also contributes to the development of the “military warrior” archetype in Thai society.

Conclusion: Social context in the early Rattanakosin period played an essential role in the emergence of a subgenre of nirat, namely war nirat. It also contributes greatly to the portrayal of “military warrior” in war nirat, describing an ideal accomplishment for a soldier in Thai society. Furthermore, through the means of literature, war nirat demonstrates perspectives on war, a topic that is typically not discussed in nirat, but rather in tale literature. War nirat shows that the issue of war was particularly significant during the early Rattanakosin period. Authors used ideas around this issue to create works as war anecdotes, although their focus would remain on literary conventions that emphasize literary aesthetics and grandeur rather than the violent and cruel nature of war.

Nora Drama Masks: The Integration of Thai Art and Culture from Ramakien

Kritsana Saisunee — 2025-12-22

Background and objective (s): Masks have always been associated with Thai culture, as evidenced by their use in traditions and performances throughout all regions of Thailand. For example, the Lanna mask dance in the north, the Khon dance in the central region, the Phi Ta Khon in the northeast, and the Nora dance in the south. Masks in each region differ according to the social context and their uses. Therefore, the researcher has taken the concept of wearing masks in theatrical performances as the main idea, blending the unique characteristics of the Nora performance and elements of the Khon performance, such as the colour coding of characters in Ramakien and the wearing of the Khon headgear. The research for this article aimed to create masks by integrating the unique characteristics of the Khon headgear in the Khon performance and the phran mask in the Nora performance for the Nora play of Ramakien.

Methodology: The researcher employed a creative research methodology by studying various information sources and in-depth interviews with three experts on the performance of Nora. The collected data was then analyzed and synthesized, leading to the creation of masks for Nora’s theatrical performances of Ramakien.

Main result: The study found that masks in Thai art and culture all have established traditions and prohibitions as patterns. For example, the headpieces used in Khon performances have specific characteristics and colours determined by the character's traits. In the Nora performance tradition, human or divine characters wear a headdress, while animal characters do not. This is because Nora artists consider the headdress to be sacred. Additionally, Nora masks for both male and female clowns are worn during the performance, which is something Nora artists hold in high esteem. These masks are shaped like human faces, but have an opening around the mouth to allow the performers to sing and speak. In the past, various forms of Nora masks were used, such as giant and ghost masks for Nora performances that told stories. Therefore, the newly created Nora masks have unique features, including designing the masks to clearly convey the characteristics of the characters in the Ramakien epic following the example of Khon performances, such as Phra Ram, Phra Lak, Thotsakan, and Hanuman. The masks will have an opening around the mouth to allow the performers to sing and speak on their own, similar to the hunter's mask. For royal characters, such as Phra Ram, Phra Lak, and Thotsakan, there will be a headdress on top of the mask with specific patterns, such as the "crown of ordination" or a three-layered giant mask similar to Thotsakan’s headpiece in Ramakien. Animal characters, such as Hanuman and Sukhrip, will have fur attached to the top of their masks and Nora bead decorations at the bottom. This Nora mask is, therefore, a development and extension, while preserving the traditions and uniqueness of Nora and Khon performances.

Relevance to Thai Studies: The Nora masks blend the unique characteristics of Khon and Nora performances, which are valuable and unique Thai art forms. Designing masks that correspond to the characters in Ramakien, a significant Thai literary work, demonstrates the inheritance of traditional wisdom and its adaptation to the flexible performance style of Nora. The creation of these masks promotes learning about Thai art, literature, and cultural traditions. The Nora masks also serve as a medium for preserving and disseminating Thai performing arts in a contemporary context, both in education and in extending knowledge to the international level.

Conclusion: The new "Nora masks" represent a blend of Thai cultural arts from two significant disciplines: Khon and Nora performances. The masks incorporate the unique characteristics of characters from Ramakien and the characteristics of masks of Nora, and transform them into masks for the performance of Nora. These masks reflect a unique beauty and identity. This creation not only helps preserve Thai cultural heritage but also demonstrates the ability to adapt traditional arts and culture to performances in new contexts. This work serves as a significant example of inheriting, creating, and developing Thai cultural arts to ensure their contemporary relevance and sustainable continuation into the future.

Knowledge Crystallization in Nithan Borankhadi

Pisit Kobbun — 2025-12-22

Background and objective (s): This study was inspired by the content of Nithan Borankhadi that was composed by H.R.H. Prince Damrong Rajanubhab, who told many stories by adding knowledge to the topics of history, archaeology and the culture of Thailand. The significance of this work is that it was the author's last work. To further an understanding, the synthesized and collected his own earlier works, refining, expanding and polishing the texts to guarantee accuracy and comprehensiveness. It has been demonstrated that the writings reflected the author's knowledge and crystallization of ideas, which inspired the researcher to examine the essence and knowledge crystallization.

Methodology: A textual analysis procedure was applied using the concept of studying the essence of the content from the text and comparing the content with other texts of the author using the concept of intertextuality in order to present the crystallization of knowledge reflected through the royal writings.

Main result: This study showed that Nithan Borankhadi was made up of facts and narratives. The main contents include Thai history, archaeology, culture and society, which were taken from the original works and improved until they crystallized into knowledge.Furthermore, Nithan Borankhadi was not considered fiction, according to the definition of a “tale”, but is a name given to the storytelling method because it provided insight into Thai studies. The author's expertise was crystallized through Nithan Borankhadi in the following techniques: 1) data analysis and narrative correction; 2) causal significance explanation; 3) data addition, clarity and elaboration; and 4) new storytelling.

Relevance to Thai Studies: Nithan Borankhadi is related to Thai history, archaeology, culture and society. Moreover, the author provided a logical interpretation in addition to the facts. As a result, there is a wealth of information for Thai studies, including Thai history, archaeology, culture and society.

Conclusion: Nithan Borankhadi was the author's final composition prior to his passing. This significant piece of writing encapsulated the author's expertise, which was gathered from a variety of stories for this book. As a result, the study revealed the text’s essential features, significance nature of the Nithan Borankhadi as evidence that Thai studies can be referenced and searched.

Concepts of rulers in “Thai Translation of Chinese Chronicle Narratives” of Somdet Chao Phraya Borom Maha Srisuriyawongse (Chuang Bunnag)

Jaranin Tuewohan — 2025-12-22

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.

The Literary Conventions of Legendary Narratives in Thai Royal Chronicles

Anuwad Wongrad — 2025-12-22

Background and objective (s): Thai royal chronicles constitute a distinct body of writing that has received extensive scholarly attention as historical evidence, as historiographical texts and as literary works in their own right. However, no existing study has sufficiently examined how these chronicles are constructed through the integration of literary conventions associated with various genres, particularly those of legendary narratives. The research for this article, therefore, aimed to analyze the literary conventions that inform the construction of Thai royal chronicles, with a particular focus on their relationship with legendary narrative traditions.

Methodology: This study employed close reading as the primary method to analyze the literary conventions related to legendary narratives in the construction of Thai royal chronicles. The scope of the study included all 23 extant versions of the chronicles composed between approximately 1448 and 1928 CE. The analysis examined both the modes of application and the narrative effects of these conventions on the construction of the chronicles.

Main result: The findings reveal that the construction of Thai royal chronicles incorporates three types of legendary narrative conventions: legends of the culture hero, legends of the city and legends of the Buddha’s relics. These conventions were adapted to serve the overarching purpose of conveying the central idea that the monarch plays a vital role in preserving and perpetuating the continuity of the kingdom. As such, the use of these three types of legendary narratives has been instrumental in portraying the virtues and significance of kingship in maintaining the unity, stability and prosperity of the realm.

Relevance to Thai Studies: This research examined Thai royal chronicles, a corpus of writing that holds significant cultural importance within Thai society. The study also highlights the connection between these texts and myth – narratives that are deeply intertwined with the ways of life and worldview of Thai people.

Conclusion: This study demonstrates that a defining characteristic of Thai royal chronicles is their presentation of historical events and royal biographies as narratively and artistically composed stories. This literary form emerged from the transmission and creative development of traditional conventions drawn from ancient Thai literature, particularly those associated with legendary narratives. As a result, Thai royal chronicles exhibit literary qualities that are essential features of literary works.

The Images of Modern Thai Rural Society in the Baan Rai Plai Fun and Mae Khong Phaendin Novel Series

Junping Liang — 2025-12-22

Background and objective (s): Modern Thai rural society has undergone substantial development in various aspects – particularly the social environment, lifestyle and values – through a blend of traditional and contemporary elements. This study aimed to analyze how modern Thai rural society is portrayed in the Baan Rai Plai Fun and Mae Khong Phaendin novel series. This objective was to understand how Thai rural communities have evolved and adapted in the modern era, as reflected in these literary works.

Methodology: This study employed a content analysis of two Thai novel series that depict the characteristics of modern Thai rural society. Through in-depth examination, the study identified key aspects of rural life, focusing on the social environment, lifestyle and values.

Main result: These two novel series portray modern Thai rural society in three key dimensions. First, in terms of the social environment, housing and communities have become more modern, thereby fostering economic growth and occupational stability. Second, regarding lifestyle, rural residents now enjoy a broader range of career options while continuing to lead simple, nature-oriented lives. Finally, in the realm of values, the novels underscore gratitude and virtuous conduct, particularly emphasizing emotional care for parents, in line with the principle of “doing good yields good”. The novels also advocate giving those who repent a chance to start anew and highlight the importance of repaying kindness to benefactors. Additionally, both works depict the elevated status of women within the family and society. Although these novels adopt somewhat romanticized narratives, they nonetheless provide a significant reflection of modern Thai rural society, demonstrating that literary texts can serve as valuable social documents for academic research.

Relevance to Thai Studies: This study is vital for understanding the ongoing transformation of Thai rural society and contributes meaningfully to Thai Studies. Although the source data are drawn from novels, these texts mirror the authors’ viewpoints. Examining modern Thai rural society as portrayed in these works offers insights into expectations regarding social conditions, lifestyle and values, which continue to be upheld and adapted in response to contemporary change.

Conclusion: Modern Thai rural society has undergone notable adaptations in its environment, lifestyle and values to address the challenges of the present day. The novels analyzed herein vividly illustrate these transformations, serving as crucial references for understanding the continued evolution of Thai rural society in the modern context.

Khlong Bang Luang: Development and Cultural Tourism Impacts

Phimchanok Bunphu — 2025-12-22

Background and objective (s): In the post-COVID-19 pandemic era, “cultural tourism” has experienced significant revitalization as an instrumental means for physical and psychological recuperation among contemporary populations. Khlong Bang Luang represents one of the historic settlements situated along the Bangkok Yai Canal, with historical origins extending to the Ayutthaya period, while still maintaining its traditional way of life. Consequently, this locale has emerged as a prominent cultural tourism destination. This research aimed to study the development of Khlong Bang Luang from the past until its transformation into a cultural tourism site, tourism impacts that are both positive and negative, and the resilience mechanisms that have enabled the community to sustain its identity amid socio-cultural transformations.

Methodology: This study employed a qualitative research methodology through in depth interviews with target study groups, participant observation and a comprehensive review of literature.

Main result: Khlong Bang Luang has undergone extensive development over its history, serving as a crucial trade route from the Ayutthaya period through the early Rattanakosin era, before declining in prominence with the development of land transportation during the reigns of King Rama IV and V. Subsequently, the "Artists' House" has played a pivotal role in revitalizing the community as a cultural tourism destination. This transformation has generated both positive impacts, such as increased local income, community vitality, occupational opportunities for elderly residents that have enhanced their self-worth and the preservation of the traditional way of life and cultural practices, and negative impacts, such as elevated land values, misinterpretations of the tourism site’s identity and overlapping residential and tourist spaces. Nevertheless, Khlong Bang Luang has maintained its continuity through community potential, cross-sectoral collaboration and local participation, representing social capital that preserves community identity amid ongoing transformations.

Relevance to Thai Studies: Khlong Bang Luang represents a case study examining the development of a traditional Thai community rooted in riverine lifestyles toward its transformation into a cultural tourism destination. This evolution reflects the dynamic nature of Thai society and culture, as well as the role of social and cultural capital in community adaptation and resilience amid change. This case study demonstrates the application of the body of knowledge in Thai Studies in terms of a traditional riverine Thai way of life, including a community’s dynamism and transformation to understand contemporary societal transitions in Thai society.

Conclusion: The transformation into a cultural tourism destination involves not only the presentation and preservation of existing heritage, but also the construction of new identities to meet tourist expectations. The combination of cultural and social capital can facilitate the development of distinct identities that gain widespread recognition, while simultaneously enabling communities to achieve strong and sustainable long-term growth.