An Analysis of Descriptions of Ayutthaya Kingdom in Thai Historical Novels, 1938 – 2019

Abstract

          This research aimed to study descriptions of Ayutthaya Kingdom in historical Thai novels published between 1938 and 2019. Documentary and textual analyses were used as the research methodologies. Five main points of descriptions of Ayutthaya Kingdom are found, as follows. 1) Namely Ayutthaya Kingdom had been great; 2) Ayutthaya Kingdom had been the golden city; 3) Ayutthaya Kingdom had been the land of friendship; 4) Ayutthaya Kingdom had been prosperous with various charming culture; and 5) Ayutthaya Kingdom had been the harmonizing land. There were 10 novels in the genre of fighting to protect the country, aiming to tell the story of the Ayutthaya Kingdom, where there was no end to good people. There are valuable qualities such as courage, unity, honesty, loyalty, and sacrifice for the country. As for the 3 novels were romance novels that aim to depict the beauty and prosperity of the Ayutthaya Kingdom during times of peace. The authors of the studied novels primarily conveyed positive depictions of the Ayutthaya Kingdom, promoting pride among the Thai people for their land and highlighting the importance of their national heritage. However, the author emphasized conveying this message specifically Thai historical novels. To further strengthen confidence and pride in one's own nation among the people of Thai society, it also raised awareness of the importance of inheriting the positive aspects of national heritage. This included instilling in people the belief that unity was a driving force for the country to move forward and overcome various obstacles.