SOAS Research Online

Abstract

This study is an attempt to explore the nature of modern Thai poetry through the works of some well-recognized poets of today, namely Angkhan Kalayanaphong, Naowarat Phongphaibun and Suchit Wongthet. The exploration into the nature of modern Thai poetry serves ultimately to reveal the nature of the art of Thai poetry. The analysis of the works of these poets reflects the significance of 'convention' in the creation of 'modernity'. The study is divided into six chapters: Chapter I : 'Convention' and 'modernity' in modern Thai poetry: a study of Angkhan Kalayanaphong's Lam Nam Phu Kradu'ng Chapter II : The nature of Angkhan's modernity Chapter III : The nature and significance of verse forms in Thai poetry: a study of Naowarat Phongphaibun Chapter IV : The influence of 'oral tradition' in modern Thai poetry Chapter V : The creation of symbols in modern Thai poetry Chapter VI : On the formation of Thai poetical convention and Thai concepts of poets and poetry Through the structure of the study emerges the fact that the exploration of 'modernity' is inevitably the exploration of various aspects of 'convention'. Therefore, the discussion in Chapter VI forms a valid conclusion of the study. It is essential to observe that a firm belief in the relationship between the nature of language and poetry in that language is an underlying 'theory' of the approach of the study. This 'theory' is re-confirmed through the examination of various texts on Thai versification. The study is intended as a 'tribute' to a rather unexplored domain of modern Thai poetry or, at least, as an invitation and inspiration for future exploration to come.