About 20th century Thai literature
Thai Literature has an extensive history and culture. Thai literature has always been influenced by Indian literature. The national epic of Thailand is Ramakien, which is a Thai adaptation of Indian Ramayana. All the kings of Chakri Dynasty have been eminent writers and poets. Thai literature greatly flourished under the patronage of these kings. King Rama I had himself written several love poems and edited some of the famous Jataka Tales. There have been several remarkable developments in the Thai literature during the 19th and 20th centuries.
In the 20th century, technological advancements and educational reforms have made literature more accessible to the Thai people. The literary works are no longer confined to the royal courts, monks and government officials. The style of writing in the modern literature has changed significantly. Writers have adopted a broader and realistic approach rather than limiting themselves with Buddhist philosophy, folklore and mythology.
Changes in the political, military and economic scenario of the country have also influenced Thai literature. Writers have started writing on varied concepts such as advocacy of social justice, virtues of democracy, and class discrimination. Works of writers such as K. Surangkhanang on prostitution reflected the changing trends in the 20th century. Post World War II, several literary works concentrated on the preservation of Thai culture from western influence. In the contemporary era, writers such as Vasan are addressing social and political issues. Issues such as environmental degradation, political corruption, and influence of western civilization on the native and rural Thai culture and erosion of Buddhist values in modern Thailand are being primarily targeted.
Sulak Sivaraska, a noted Buddhist scholar and a leading human rights and anti-globalization activist, has been twice nominated for a Nobel Prize in Literature for his works on social justice in Thailand.
Simple Thai Convesation :
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