#ClassicalLiterature

Inao, known in Thai as “อิเหนา,” is among the most celebrated masterpieces of classical Thai literature. Its tale—woven with themes of love, fate, royal duty, and rivalry—has captivated Thai audiences for centuries. Based on the Javanese Panji stories, the narrative found its place in the Siamese court during the Ayutthaya period and was later adapted and refined by royal poets of the Rattanakosin era. But to fully grasp the drama’s depth, it’s crucial to know its key characters—their roles, motivations, and how they reflect the social ideals and dilemmas of their era.

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.