Some ancient texts
The first important text in Thai literature is The Stele of King Rama the Strong. Dating from 1292, this 1.11 m stele recounts the king's lineage and feats of arms.
In the 15th century, Angkor was taken by the Siamese, allowing Angkorian influence to spread to the monasteries, where monks commented on Buddhist texts and translated them into Siamese. The 18th century marked the beginning of modernity, with the advent of the press and the vogue for chronicles. The most illustrious literary work is undoubtedly the poem composed by Sunthorn Phu. This long song of 30,000 verses tells the story of an exiled prince completing an odyssey. In Thailand, Sunthorn Phu is so well known that a museum is dedicated to him in Bangkok. What's more, since 1986, UNESCO has set up an annual day, June 26, to celebrate his birth. It is also thanks to UNESCO's initiative that his works have been translated. Another major work of Thai literature is Thao Cheuang. This epic poem comprehensively recounts the history of Thai civilization.
Contemporary period
Even if literature did not take off and become a major art form until the 20th century, it's important to bear in mind that in certain spheres, oral tradition is still favored. There are, however, a few names to remember. Kukrit Pramoj (1911-1955), Prime Minister in 1975 and 1976, is one of the country's greatest intellectuals. His books include Quatre Règnes (Four Kingdoms ), which evokes life at the royal court, and Bambou Rouge (Red Bamboo ), which deals with the conflict between Buddhism and politics before communism. One of the best-known and most widely translated authors is Saneh Sangsuk, born in 1957. His works include L'Ombre blanche (2001), Venin (2001), Une histoire vieille comme la pluie (2004) and Seule sous un ciel dément (2014). In 2008, the French Ministry of Culture awarded him the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres medal. Another author translated into French is Chart Korbjitti, born in 1954. His first novel, La Chute de Fak (Kampipâkskâ), published in 1981, left its mark on the country's literary history. It was named "Book of the Year" by the Thai Council for Literature, and even received the South East Asia Write Award. Chart Korbjitti tells the story of Fak, a young village school janitor whose life is turned upside down when he is accused of having an affair with his father's widow. He sinks into alcohol and suffering. Behind this contemplative portrait lies the intolerance of peasant society and consumerism. In 2004, the novel was adapted for the cinema, with the new title Ai-Fak. Chart Korbjitti has also published Une Histoire ordinaire (1992), Sonne l'heure (1994) and Chiens fous (2001). This novel is about a group of young people in the late 1970s trying to find their place in society while enjoying a hedonistic lifestyle. As for recent publications, readers will enjoy Café Lovely (2009) by Rattawut Lapcharoensap, an author born in 1979 who grew up between the USA and Bangkok. This collection of short stories, full of emotion, has been very well received by the public. S.P. Somtow's Galant de nuit, published in 2018, recounts his childhood in Thailand. Born in 1952 in Bangkok, this author is also a film director and classical music composer. In 1979, he was awarded the Astounding Prize for Best New Writer. In 2002, he won the World Fantasy Award for Best Short Novel for The Bird Catcher.
The black novels of Bangkok
Bangkok inspires writers of noir novels. It's true that the city has a very special atmosphere: from the oppressive heat to the thousand and one scents, from the jumble of cars to the incessant noise, not forgetting the hustle and bustle of the nightlife and all its creepy facets... a perfect setting for a thrilling story, a real detective story! A Hong Kong publishing house, Crime Wave Press, specializes in English-language crime novels. The Bangkok series, written by author John Burdett, is an international bestseller. John Burdett, a Briton born in 1951, trained as a lawyer and spent several years in Hong Kong, now lives part of the year in Bangkok and part in France. His series follows the adventures of police inspector Sonchaï Jitpleecheep, who is also a philosopher in his spare time. To get as close to reality as possible, the author investigated in one of the city's hottest districts: Soi Cowboy (where scenes from the film Very Bad Trip were shot). John Burdett depicts the city's nightlife, gogo bars, brothels and the divide between Buddhism and the sex trade. He neither criticizes nor apologizes, but offers a more than realistic and gripping immersion, which is what gives his work its depth. For the record, Sonchaï Jitpleecheep is himself the son of a peripatetic woman and an American soldier during the Vietnam War. Fans of detective novels will be delighted to immerse themselves in the world of this singular author, who portrays the underbelly of a city as much as the benefits of Buddhist meditation. Don't miss Bangkok 8 (2003), Bangkok Tattoo (2005), Bangkok Psycho (2009), The Godfather of Kathmandu (2011) and the no less stunning Joker (2016)..
World Book Capital
In 2013, Bangkok was designated World Book Capital by UNESCO. The current government strongly encourages children's literature. It has set up an ambitious cultural education program. French literature has not been forgotten in Thailand, as some classics have been translated into the local language, such as Victor Hugo's Les Misérables. Francophile publishing houses, such as Khao Fang, make this openness possible.
