Sunthorn Phu

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Sunthorn Phu (or Sunthon Phu, Thai: สุนทรภู่, 1786–1855) is Thailand's best-known poet. His most popular single work is the 30,000-line epic Phra Aphai Mani. His common name is from a part of his Royal given name Phra Sunthorn Vohara (พระสุนทรโวหาร), combined with his birth name, Phu.

[edit] Biography

Memorial in Wat Sri Sudaram, Bangkok

A commoner, Sunthorn Phu broke from tradition by writing in more ordinary language and about less-elevated topics than previous writers.

Part of Sunthorn's fame also rests on his colourful personal life. In his late teens, he was imprisoned for having an affair with a lady at court. In turn, he was then pardoned, married to the lady, and appointed court poet, before becoming an alcoholic, being left by his wife, and, around 1821, being jailed after a fight.

He began the epic poem, Phra Aphai Mani in prison, and published it in installments over the next 20 years. The epic tale follows the title character, Prince Aphai Mani, a Byronic hero, in his romantic adventures throughout ancient Thailand.

Sunthorn's nine Nirats, which record his associations between memories and sites he visited, are also popular.

He was out of favour during the reign of Rama III (1824–1851), whose writings he had once criticised. At one point he was driven by poverty to become a monk.

[edit] Legacy

Thailand celebrates Sunthorn Phu Day on June 26.
Thai cinema's first and only cel-animated cartoon feature film, The Adventure of Sudsakorn (1979), was based on a character from Phra Aphai Mani. It was directed by Payut Ngaokrachang. A live-action version of the tale was made in 2006, Legend of Sudsakorn.