Nirate

The nirat is a lyrical genre popular in Thai literature , which can be roughly translated as "farewell poetry".

Statue of Sunthorn Phu

The essence of the poetry is a travelogue , but what is essential is the longing for the absent lover. The poet describes his journey through landscapes, towns and villages, but regularly interrupts his description to express his feelings for and thoughts about the beloved he has left behind.

Representatives of this genus are Si Prat ( 17th century ) and Sunthorn Phu (1786–1855). Phu's first nirate probably dates back to 1807 and describes a trip to Mueang Klaeng , a city between Rayong (his hometown) and Chanthaburi . Since the Nirats are usually embedded in a real context, they are a source for the history of Siam in the early 19th century.

Individual evidence

1. ^ Barend Jan Terwiel : Through Travelers' Eyes . Bangkok: Duang Kamol 1989. ISBN 974-210-455-7 .