Politics in the Literature of Khun Chang Khun Phaen

Abstract

The objectives of this article are to study: 1. the background of the literature Khun Chang Khun Phaen, and 2. the political dimensions within this literary work. The study was conducted through a review of relevant documents, textbooks, and research, which were analyzed in relation to Thai political concepts and phenomena. The findings are as follows:

1. The background of Khun Chang Khun Phaen is significant for understanding the social structure of the late Ayutthaya period. The work was later compiled into written form during the Rattanakosin period; therefore, The Thai verse (Sepha) Khun Chang Khun Phaen is categorized as a literary work of the early Rattanakosin era.


2. Politics in Khun Chang Khun Phaen can be explained through four key themes: 1) Intra-state political structure: The power center was established under the concepts of Divine Right and Devaraja (Divine Kingship), where authority was derived from or descended from the deities. The feudal nobility (Sakdina) acted as the administrative mechanism, a concept that gave rise to the social class system. 2) Inter-state political structure: This involves maintaining the balance of power between centralized states. Several methods were mentioned, such as political marriages, the deployment of key warlords to govern frontier cities, the assignment of officials skilled in trade or agriculture to oversee productive regions, and the expansion of royal authority through warfare. 3) Social control: The maintenance of social order was achieved through both codified laws and the enforcement of customary traditions. 4) The traditional state and economic drivers: The economic structure reflected an agrarian state, utilizing a blend of Buddhist and animist beliefs as a key strategy to cultivate public faith and devotion.