Pridi Banomyong (1900–1983)

The King of the White Elephant begs interest for having been written by Pridi Banomyong, the father of Thai democracy. It's Pridi's only novel, and perhaps Thailand's first novel written in English. Written in 1940 and followed by a film based on the book, the novel carries a strong anti-war message. Even more interesting is the depiction of Buddhist kingship, the leadership of an enlightened ruler, within the story. This historical novel takes place in Ayutthaya, an ancient capital of Thailand. Threatened by the King of Honsa (re: Burma), King Chakra of Ayutthaya defends his country (Ayutthaya/Siam/Thailand), recites Jataka tales and sutras, and yes, gets the girl. Very nationalistic, the novel portrays the King of Honsa as caricature while the Thai king exudes noble virtue. Given that Pridi was responsible for ending absolute monarchy in Thailand, the heroic portrayal here of an absolute, though enlightened monarch - a man for the people, is interesting (though the negatives of an absolute ruler are also portrayed in King Chakra's Burmese foil). Pridi was one of Thailand's elder statesmen, a professor of law, and many other amazing things besides. However, the novel, his first and only fiction work, is very simplistic, perhaps purposely so. The elephant round up, a final battle on the backs of elephants, and again the combination of regent and Buddhism are the more alluring parts of an otherwise short and uncomplicated novella.… (meer)