Sunthorn phu biography sample
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Thailand's Shakespeare? Sunthorn Phu
"Oh, how everything was against me then. Even termites made their way to my bedroom. They ate the mat and destroyed all my books. It was distressing to think of those books And the yellow robes I used to wear Had holes in them like my weeping eyes." --Sunthorn Phu
Sunthorn Phu (1786-1855), poet of the Rattanakosin period (1772-present), has become known as the People's Poet of Thailand. In 1986, the bicentennial of his birth, UNESCO officially recognized his eminence. Critics have likened him to Shakespeare and Chaucer in the range, quality, and national importance of his works.
Every year on the 26th of June he is commemorated by a festival at Sunthorn Phu Memorial Park in the southeastern city of Klaeng, birthplace of the poet's father. The festival features recitals, plays, and puppet shows of his works. A statue of the poet stands nearby. At the Thai Human Imagery Museum in Bangkok are displayed wax figures of Sunthorn and the charact
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Sunthorn Phu Day 2024
Sunthorn Phu Day falls on June 26th every year and commemorates the birthday of the Shakespeare of Thailand: Sunthorn Phu, also known as Phra Sunthorn Vohara.
In 1987, then-Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand Sawet Piamphongsan declared Sunthorn Phu Day to honor one of Thailand’s literary giants, while announcing the establishment of the Sunthorn Phu Institute. The institute supports activities related to his legacy and works to spread awareness of his work among youths and the general public.
Bringing poetry to the masses
Sunthorn Phu is Thailand’s best-known royal poet. Alternatively known as the Bard of Rattanakosin, he began his career in the reign of King Rama I (1782–1809), and his works have remained popular in Thailand to this day.
Some of his famous poetry includes:
- “Nirat Phu Khao Thong,”a collection of poems recounting his journey to the Golden Mountain of Ayutthaya (not to be confused with the Golden Mount of Bangkok);
- “Nirat Suphan,” abou
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An Introduction to the Poetry of Sunthorn Phu
June 26th is known in Thailand as Sunthorn Phu Day, to commemorate the birthday of Sunthorn Phu, one of Thailand’s most celebrated poets. The William Shakespeare of Thailand, Sunthorn Phu produced several renowned works that continue to be frequently quoted in contemporary culture.
Sunthorn Phu, whose full court title was Phra Sunthorn Voharn, was born in 1786. In 1816, he entered royal service during the reign of King Rama II, a monarch whose era became known as a golden time for Thai poetry and literature. It was said that when King Rama II got stuck while writing a verse for the Ramayana epic, none of his other courtiers were able to help him continue writing to his satisfaction. Sunthorn Phu, however, was able to continue writing the poem, thus quickly becoming favored by the king. Even later in life when Sunthorn Phu was jailed after a fight, he was pardoned by King Rama II when his poetic services were once again need