Vietnam from the Poetic Perspective of Naowarat Pongpaiboon in “Khian Phaendin Suwannaphum Vietnam”

Abstract

This article examines the image of Vietnam from the perspective of Naowarat Pongpaiboon in his poetry collection, Khian Phaendin Suwannaphum Vietnam (2014). Through a textual analysis of the book together with data obtained by interviewing the writer, it finds that Naowarat’s poetry portrays Vietnam through three aspects. First, the country has beautiful natural settings with diverse landscapes that harmonize with and support human life. Second, Vietnam has a rich civilization with a long-developed history, cultural values and customs. Third, the Vietnamese are a gracious people, respected for their bravery and love of art and peace. This picture of Vietnam is positive and poetic, making it distinct from the Thai perception of Vietnam in the past. It reflects the poet’s respect for and admiration of Vietnam, a change in Thai awareness and perspective of its neighboring countries, and the flourishing Thai-Vietnamese relationship at present.