An Analysis of Thai Culture and Society from Thai Literature in Thai Textbooks for Chinese Learners of Thai as a Foreign Language

Abstract

This research article aims to analyze Thai culture and society using eight works of Thai literature: The King Ram Khamhaeng Inscription (the section describing King Ram Khamhaeng’s family, as well as the economy, religion, and governance of the Sukhothai Kingdom); Ramakien (the episodes of “The Birth of Thotsakan” and “Thao Maliwarat Admires Sida’s Beauty”); Lilit Phra Lo (the excerpts of  “In Praise of Phra Lo’s Exquisite Beauty” and “In Praise of Phra Phuean and Phra Phaeng's Exquisite Beauty”); Four Reigns (the episode of “Mae Chaem Takes Her Daughter to Be Presented as a Handmaiden to The Royal Concubine”); Sang Thong (the episode of “The Polo Match”); Nirat Guangdong (two verses); Nirat London (three verses); and Siamanussati (four verses). These works are included in four Thai textbooks for Chinese Learners of Thai as a Foreign Language: University-Level Integrated Thai Language Textbook (Volume 4), University-Level Thai Reading Textbook (Volume 1), Advanced-Level Thai Language, and Advanced-Level Thai Language Lessons (Volume 1). This is a qualitative research study that analyzes Thai literature, utilizing a content analysis form as the research instrument.

The findings reveal that the eight literary works reflect four aspects of Thai culture: the praise for characters’ beauty, the value of patriotism, the belief that deities protect good people, and the custom of presenting oneself for service in the royal court. They also reflect three aspects of Thai society: society during the Sukhothai period, Thailand’s relations with foreign nations, and governance. The findings further indicate that Thai literature portrays Thai culture and society across different historical periods, spanning the Sukhothai, Ayutthaya, and Thonburi periods to the Rattanakosin period. Chinese students can learn about these aspects through the Thai literary texts included in their textbooks, which serve as valuable learning resources for enhancing their understanding of Thai society and culture.