Puccha-Vissajjana and Khlong Krathu Riddles: Activities in The Vajirayanna-Viset and Their Role in Continuity and Innovation of Thai Literary Culture During the Reign of King Rama V

Abstract

This article aims to study the role of the genres of puccha-vissajjana (questions and answers), and Khlong Krathu Riddles (riddles in the form of quatrain) published in the literary magazine ‘Vajirayanna-Viset’ during the reign of King Rama V, in terms of their contribution to the continuation and creation of Thai literary culture. The works analyzed include “Khong Tai” (Riddle Poems), “Phanha Khadkhong” (Trouble Tales), “Phanha Phayakorn” (Prediction Problems), “Sapphavinitchai” (Lexical Decisions), and “Kratu Khong” (Clue Quatrains). The analysis method involves examining the texts and relating them to the literary traditions of Siam. The study’s findings indicate that these writings played a role in both the preservation of Thai poetry, the cultural practice of plays, and knowledge of Buddhism. Creatively, they contributed to the development of modern Thai poetry and critical writing, which introduced diversity and novelty to the production and enjoyment of Thai literature during the reign of King Rama V.