Spatial Dimensions in the Novel, Mekong, and the Relationship between Thailand and Laos

Abstract

The Mekong, besides being a river of geo-physical importance, also has had significant influence as the inspiration for works of art, songs, poems, short stories, and novels. Several novels have used the Mekong River as a backdrop, including Luk Lam Nam Kong by Khampun Bunthawee, Luk Mae Nam Kong, Puen Ruk Rim Kong and Mitthraphap Song Fang Kong by Khemmachat, and Mekong by Pongpol Adireksarn. The latter presents the relationships between the characters and the Mekong River area, the main site where the story takes place, and links together various events that take place there from the beginning to the end.This article analyzes this novel in terms of location, characters, and the Thai-Lao relationship that is linked by the river which was and still is a way of life, mind-soul, civilization, and belief. It examines how the novel portrays Thailand as a land of life, and Laos as a land of death as presented through several characters who crossed the river to Thailand in order to survive. When they had to return to Laos, they encountered diverse dangers, and some of them eventually ended up missing or dead.