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Thai literature is literature written in Thai language. Unlike many literature s, Thai literature is only written in the country it originated from, which is Thailand. Thai literature has its own and unique letters and numbers, and its own unique sentence structure. Thailand's literature possesses 44 consonants only, and numerous vowels. In this way, it completely differentiates itself from other literature s. Thai literature is heavily influenced by Indian culture and by what is called "Bali Sansakrit".

= Sukhothai Period = This period starts in 1238 and ends in 1377. Almost all of the literary works in this period was to reaffirm Thai culture. This was mostly taken in charge by the Thai monarchy in that time. One of the greatest writers from this period was King Ramkhamhaeng.

Most works in this time were written in prose. All the noticeable works were written by King Ramkhamhaeng. He has written many stone inscriptions such as the Stone Inscription at Wat Sichum, and Stone Inscriptions at Wat Pa Mamuang. These inscriptions are considered to be the literary works in Thai history and often recite tales of Thai people’s way of life, the country’s religion, politics and prosperity.

The Stone Inscriptions at Wat Pa Mamuang were the first works to be translated in a foreign language. Four of these tablets were inscribed in Thai, Khmer, and Pali. They were written around 1362. They described the religious way of life of King Ramkhamhaeng, including everything from his religious practices, to the religious hideouts and monuments he visited.

= Thonburi Period =

Despite its very short participation in Thailand’s history, 15 years, this period produced the Ramakian. King Thaksin the Great has contributed his talent to this work. Ramakian is now considered to be one of Thailand’s national epic. This period was the biggest attempt to revive Thai culture, and most certainly literature. Since most works were lost during the war of Ayutthaya period, and many great literary works were burned. This period also saw the rise of a new genre. These are the so called account in verse of foreign travel. One famous example of this genre is Nirat Kwangtung; recording activities of Thai delegation is some external foreign country. Most writers of the Thonburi period would become leading writers of the early Ratthanakosin period.

= Ayutthaya Period = During this period, literature started to be written in verse, and poetic works started to get popular. For example, Lilit Yuan phai (“The Defeat of the Yuan”), is a historical poem reciting the defeat of the Lana forces bis a historical poem reciting the defeat of the Lana forces by the Ayutthaya kingdom Ayutthaya period has known three golden era for literature. In order they were during the reign of King Borommatrailokkanat, King Narai, and King Borommakot. The most famous era was the era of King Narai, where writers would be accepted in the royal court, and new verse forms would be created. Many great works such as Khun Chang Khun Phaeng were written is this period, but all was lost during the sack of Ayutthaya. And many works had to be rewritten from what remains that could be found during the modern period.

= Ratthanakosin Period = Thai literature reached a turning point in the mid 20th century. Around this period, Thai literature is considered to start its Modern period. The forms of writing also changes, there are more and more short stories appearing. Therefore, works are written more in prose rather than in poem. With the new age, writers also become attached to new subjects. Modern literature tends to talk about social issues, such as crimes, prostitutions, drugs, inequality between social classes…

The early works of Modern literature were mostly lost in what is called the literary “dark age” of the 1950s and 1960s. At this time, freedom of speech was severely limited, and any written works concerning social issues were banned. Works during this period were mostly written as a form of social escape. Only few writers have succeeded to publish their works, namely Lao Khamhom (Khamsing Srinawk), who was later awarded as National Artist of Thailand.

During the 1970s, literature often took form as criticism and opposition to Thailand’s dictatorship. A new form of writing appeared, named the “literature of life”. Most works in this period strived for a better society, and revealed injustices. Thai literature has only begun to spread to others parts of the world during its Modern era. Many awards have enabled Thai literature to reach the worldwide stage, such as the title of National Artist of Thailand, or even the S.E.A Write Award.