Influence On Thai Literature
Even though he is not the most prolific of Thailand's celebrated authors, Khamsing is credited with beginning a tectonic shift in Thai literary style and focus. While the majority of Thai literature before the twentieth century was dominated by royal and elite authors writing for the kingdom’s gentry, it has been argued that Khamsing’s divergence from typical Thai literary subject matter has created the concept of the Thai peasant as a literary hero. By giving literary voice to the common peasant, often in vernacular voice and within the village setting, Khamsing's writings, most notably Fáa Bɔ̀ Kân, have worked to democratize Thai literature. With literature, Khamsing has attempted to depict the plight of the Thai peasant, and in doing so seek social justice and the betterment of Thai society in general.
Most recently (May, 2011), Khamsing has added his name to what has come to be called the 'Thai Writers' Manifesto,' a petition signed by 359 Thai writers and academics calling for drastic revisions to Thailand's lèse majesté laws (Article 112 of current Thai Criminal Code), under which numerous Thai and international citizens have been jailed.
Read more about this topic: Khamsing Srinawk
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