The Ramakien, Thailand’s national epic, sits at the heart of Thai culture, art, and literature. Adapted from the Indian Ramayana, the Ramakien has developed its own distinctive flavor—blending Hindu and Buddhist influences with vivid Thai creativity. Central to the Ramakien are its unforgettable characters, whose tales of love, loyalty, heroism, and betrayal have shaped generations of Thai storytelling, classical dance, visual arts, and even temple murals. For Thai readers seeking to understand these stories or visitors wanting to decode the elaborate scenes painted across Wat Phra Kaew, knowing “who’s who” in the Ramakien is essential.
At its core, Ramakien tells the story of the virtuous ruler Phra Ram, his devoted brother Phra Lak, and his faithful monkey general Hanuman as they strive to rescue the beautiful Nang Sida from the fearsome demon king Thotsakan. Along the way, the epic introduces a trove of legendary figures—heroes and villains, gods, monkeys, ogres, and mystical beings—each with their own roles and symbolism.
Below, we explore each major character, summarizing their background and significance, using details from definitive Thai sources (th.wikipedia.org, TruePlookpanya), so that their intertwined destinies may be understood in detail.
The Heart of the Story: A Brief Overview
The Ramakien chronicles the saga of Phra Ram, the exiled prince, who is accompanied by his brother Phra Lak and the loyal monkey army led by Hanuman. Their mission: to rescue Phra Ram’s wife, Nang Sida, from the clutches of Thotsakan, the ten-faced demon king of Longka (Lanka). Along this journey, alliances are formed (such as with the aquatic empire through Nang Suphannamatcha), betrayals unfold (as with the demon scholar Phipek), and magical battles are fought. The story echoes universal themes but is rendered in uniquely Thai form—honoring local beliefs, royal tradition, and artistic expression.
Below is an introduction to the key figures whose actions drive the epic.
Central Characters and Their Roles
Thotsakan (Ravana, ทศกัณฐ์)
Thotsakan is the primary antagonist of the Ramakien and the ruler of Longka. Characterized by his ten faces and twenty arms, he is both a powerful warlord and a learned scholar, embodying both might and intellect. Thotsakan captures Nang Sida, instigating the heroic rescue mission, and represents unchecked desire and the dangers of arrogance. He is a figure of fearsome might but also tragic flaws—he loves Nang Sida deeply and is ultimately undone by his own hubris (wikipedia, TruePlookpanya).
Nang Sida (Sita, นางสีดา)
Nang Sida is Phra Ram’s beloved wife, renowned for her beauty, virtue, and unwavering loyalty. Unlike some Western damsels-in-distress, Nang Sida is a symbol of moral strength, facing trials and accusations with dignity. Her abduction by Thotsakan is the central turning point of the narrative, making her both a cause for war and a model of resilient femininity in Thai literature (wikipedia, TruePlookpanya).
Phra Ram (Rama, พระราม)
The hero and rightful king, Phra Ram epitomizes honor, justice, and devotion. Banished into exile due to palace intrigue, he is the very image of the dhammaraja—the king who rules by righteousness, an idea cherished in Thai royal mythology. Phra Ram’s journey, his strict adherence to duty, and his eventual triumph represent the archetypal hero that every Thai child learns about in school and sees personified in the khon masked dance (wikipedia).
Hanuman (Hanuman, หนุมาน)
Phra Ram’s simian general, Hanuman is perhaps Thailand’s best-loved mythological figure. A white monkey with magical powers, Hanuman is witty, cunning, devoted, and, at times, charmingly mischievous. He plays a vital role in building the bridge to Longka, infiltrating enemy ranks, and deploying magical skills to turn the tide in battle. Hanuman also has his romantic escapades, notably with Nang Suphannamatcha, adding a playful layer to the epic (TruePlookpanya).
Phra Lak (Lakshmana, พระลักษมณ์)
The steadfast younger brother of Phra Ram, Phra Lak is the epitome of sibling loyalty and duty. He follows Phra Ram into exile, supports him at every turn, and never wavers in his allegiance. In Thai culture, Phra Lak is frequently cited as the ideal brother—a standard evoked in family teachings (wikipedia).
Nang Suphannamatcha (นางสุพรรณมัจฉา)
A mermaid queen, Nang Suphannamatcha leads an army of mermaids under Thotsakan’s command. Tasked with sabotaging Hanuman’s bridge to Longka, she instead falls in love with Hanuman, birthing the half-monkey, half-merman hero Machanu. This subplot enriches the narrative with themes of reconciliation and hybrid identity, often depicted in murals and puppetry as a uniquely Thai addition not found in other Ramayana iterations (TruePlookpanya).
Phiphek (Vibhishana, พิเภก)
A scholarly and moral demon, Phiphek is Thotsakan’s brother. Eventually, he defects to Phra Ram’s side, offering counsel and moral guidance. His choice to stand by righteousness, even when it means betraying his own kin, underscores the epic’s recurring theme of virtue over loyalty. Phiphek’s wisdom earns him kingship over Longka after Thotsakan’s fall, making him a model of integrity in Thai thought (th.wikipedia.org).
Nang Montho (Mandodari, นางมณโฑ)
The principal consort of Thotsakan, Nang Montho is revered for her patience and wisdom. Despite her husband’s misdeeds, she is portrayed as a figure of compassion within the demon court. Nang Montho’s voice of reason is often ignored by Thotsakan, contributing to his tragic downfall (wikipedia, TruePlookpanya).
Kumbhakan (Kumbhakarna, กุมภกรรณ)
Another of Thotsakan’s brothers, Kumbhakan is famed for his massive size and prodigious appetite. Steadfastly loyal but also possessing a sense of justice, Kumbhakan reluctantly joins the war on Thotsakan’s side, despite foreseeing doom. His battle and death are iconic moments in the Ramakien, symbolizing tragedy in loyalty misplaced (TruePlookpanya).
Machanu (มัจฉานุ)
The son of Hanuman and Nang Suphannamatcha, Machanu combines the powers of both lineages. He commands an aquatic army and often acts as a bridge between worlds. His unique birth story—helped by the mermaids who return the stones Hanuman used for the causeway—makes him a symbol of hybrid resilience and diplomatic alliance in the literature (TruePlookpanya).
Nang Samankhana (นางสามนักขา)
Nang Samankhana is a goddess sent to test Phra Ram and Phra Lak during their years of exile. She attempts to seduce them, but is rebuffed and ultimately punished. Her role, though smaller, represents the constant trials faced by the protagonists and also connects Thai morality play with the concept of divine testing (TruePlookpanya).
The Demon Soldiers of Longka (ทหารยักษ์กรุงลงกา)
Longka’s defenses are manned by legions of demon warriors, each with distinctive forms and powers. These soldiers provide formidable resistance to Phra Ram’s forces and are central in the epic’s many battle scenes, creating spectacle for Thai masked dance (khon) and shadow play (wikipedia).
Benjakai (เบญจกาย)
A demoness with magical powers, Benjakai is an agent of Thotsakan, famous for her shapeshifting abilities. In one of the most memorable episodes, she transforms to impersonate Nang Sida in an attempt to deceive Phra Ram. This plot twist, in turn, examines illusions and the nature of truth, adding complexity to the epic (TruePlookpanya).
Historical and Cultural Context
Unlike the Indian Ramayana, the Ramakien is deeply localized. Characters such as Hanuman appear in murals at Wat Phra Kaew not just as warriors but as paragons of wit and loyalty. The imagery of Hanuman leaping, Nang Suphannamatcha swimming, or fierce-eyed demon generals is woven into the fabric of Thai dance (khon), music, and visual storytelling. For families, Phra Lak stands as the ideal sibling; for leaders, Phra Ram embodies royal virtue. Even today, these stories are regularly staged, televised, and referenced in pop culture, ensuring their relevance in a contemporary context.
Implications for Thai Society
The Ramakien’s characters teach lessons in morality, loyalty, and the balance between righteousness and familial love—lessons that remain woven into Thai family conversations, classroom lessons, and national identity. Government-led efforts to preserve the Ramakien, such as through traditional khon performances and public art, underline its role in social cohesion and cultural pride (TruePlookpanya).
Future Developments
With the rise of digital platforms, animated adaptations and graphic novels are bringing the Ramakien’s cast to new generations. Projects like interactive e-books and VR reimaginings of temple murals make these figures more accessible. Meanwhile, ongoing academic inquiries focus on comparing the Ramakien’s unique characterizations with other versions across Southeast Asia, offering new perspectives on shared heritage and distinct local adaptations.
Actionable Recommendations
For Thai readers: revisit the Ramakien through stage performances, temple visits, and literature to rediscover timeless Thai values. Parents and educators can use these stories to teach the importance of virtue, resilience, and critical thought. For international visitors, learning the key Ramakien characters before visiting Thai temples or classical performances will greatly enrich your experiences.
For further reliable information on these characters, see th.wikipedia.org: ตัวละครในรามเกียรติ์ and TruePlookpanya’s character summaries. For visual references, the murals of Wat Phra Kaew and public khon performances remain unmatched.