Sunthorn Phu
Phra Sunthorn Vohara (Phu) (Thai: พระสุนทรโวหาร (ภู่), RTGS: Phra Sunthonwohan (Phu), pronounced [pʰá.sǔn.tʰɔ̄ːn.woː.hǎːn.pʰûː]; 26 June 1786 – 1855), known as Sunthorn Phu (Thai: สุนทรภู่, RTGS: Sunthonphu, pronounced [sǔn.tʰɔ̄ːn.pʰûː]), is Thailand's best-known royal poet. He wrote during the Rattanakosin period.
Sunthorn (Phu) | |
|---|---|
| Born | Phu (ภู่) 26 June 1786 Bangkok Noi, Bangkok, Siam |
| Died | 1855 (aged 69) Taling Chan, Bangkok, Siam |
| Pen name | Sunthorn Phu (สุนทรภู่) |
| Occupation | Scribe, poet |
| Language | Thai |
| Nationality | Thai |
| Genre | Fantasy or Historical |
| Notable works | Phra Aphai Mani |
| Children | 3 |
Phu's career as a royal poet began in the reign of King Rama II, and when the king died, he resigned from the role and became a monk. Twenty years later, in the reign of King Rama III, he returned to court as a royal scribe, where he remained for the rest of his life.
Phu was renowned for composing verse, and his epic poetry is popular in Thailand to the present day. His works include Nirat Phukhao Thong, a collection of poems recounting his journey to the Golden Mountain; Nirat Suphan, his journey to Suphan Buri province; and the Phra Aphai Mani saga.