Encoded Texts: The Relation between the Thai Textbook in the Reign of King Rama IV “Pathanukrom” and Original Thai Textbooks

Abstract

The article aims to analyze encoded texts which existed on the Thai textbook, composed under the reign of King Mongkut (Rama IV), Pathanukrom, a work by Phra Pidokkosol (Ouam) of Wat Ratchaburana, and composed in 1857. The study was conducted using text-based analysis, with major data collected from Pathanukrom (2021 edition published by Fine Arts Department) and from other textbooks existing prior to Pathanukrom, which were published or in a form of ancient manuscripts, to trace the origin of each encoded text category. The findings revealed that Pathanukrom’s author employed as many as 8 categories of encoded texts, which include Wannakangkhaya, Thailhong, Thainub, Rusiplaengsan, Aksronlek, Fhonsanaeha, Aksornluan and Aksronsub. Explanation techniques of each encoded text category are briefly summarised with the author’s suggestions on additional textbooks for further research. Concerning the origin of the encoded texts, it is found that the author brought them from Wachirasaratthasangkhana Scripture and other traditional Thai textbooks, namely Chindamanee, Prathommala and Aksornnit. The study on encoded texts in Pathanukrom reveals the encoded texts that had been continuously maintained from the Ayutthaya’s textbooks to those of Rattanakosin under the reign of King Mongkut (Rama IV), which was the final period of traditional education prior to the educational reform in 1871, under the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V).