"Literature and History" in Thailand from Memory Studies Perspective

Abstract

This article aims to explore projects on "literature and history" in Thailand with a special focus on how memory studies, as an interdisciplinary approach, can fertilize those former studies. It is found that previous literature-and-history scholarships can be categorized as : 1) projects on historical images in literature and 2) projects on dialogues between literature and history as "representation of the past". Both categories, however, tend to overlook memory culture that has been shaped by oral history, monuments, museums, and commemorations. Hence, a memory studies approach is an alternative lens proposing possible interpretations of "memory in literary traditions" and "literature in memory culture". In light of this, the relationship between Thai literature and the past, as a cultural artifact, can be reconceptualized.