A study of motifs of matters appearing in Sangthong in the Thai language and Kyongsang in the Khmer Language

Abstract

The aim of this research was to study motif of matters appearing in the Thai literature Sangthong and Kyongsang, a similar story in Khmer language. For the study scope researcher used Sangthong a version of the king Prahputhlertlanphalai and Khmer version from Buddhist institute of Cambodia (translate by researcher). The result of this research has noticed that the motif of matter from Songthong in Thai and Khmer language has divided into two types. First, a similar motif of matter in the both literature are Conch, ngor attire, crystal shoes, staff, gold pond and silver pond, and golden argosy. In Khmer literature has more details about special motif of matter than Thai literature. Second, a special motif of matter have only in Khmer version under title KyongSong which didn’t have in Thai version such as Banyan, golden Lotus flower, and elixir of life. Although, Sangthong the Thai version and Kyongsong the version in Khmer were came from the same source which was Kampee banhaschhadok but for the society status, belief, and value of Thailand and Cambodia was different. Overall, there are both similar and different motifs appearing in the two versions. However, they are regarded as a great way to entertain people, and with didactic elements in the stories they serve as means to teach moral to their audience.