#LiteraryCharacters

The Thai literary classic “Phra Suthon-Manohra” is a tale celebrated for its romance, adventure, and moral lessons, interweaving mythical beings and human affairs. At the heart of this story are three main characters: the celestial kinnaree Manohra, the devoted prince Phra Suthon, and the complex hunter figure Phran Boon. The enduring popularity of this tale in Thai culture is evident in school curricula, literature studies, and traditional performances throughout the country, demonstrating its powerful impact on Thai values of loyalty, perseverance, and compassion.

The tale of “Kaki” is one of Thailand’s most enduring literary works, blending ancient Indian roots with distinctive local interpretations. First adapted during the reign of King Rama I in the late 18th century and based on the “Kakati Jataka” of the Pali Canon, it has fascinated generations with its dramatic themes of beauty, temptation, virtue, and consequence. Over time, the word “kaki” (กากี) has entered Thai slang to pejoratively suggest a woman with multiple lovers; this meaning, however, misrepresents the original nuance of the story, where the heroine is repeatedly a victim of her circumstances rather than solely driven by lustful intentions (Wikipedia).