Sunthorn Bhu—Chachoengsao City, Thailand. - Statues of Historic Figures on Waymarking.com

This statue is of the famous Thai poet, scholar, and court official Phra Sunthorn Vohara (Phra being a title bestowed), popularly known as Sunthorn Phu (1786–1855). Sunthorn Phu is depicted, life-sized, standing on a plinth, in formal dress, with a book in his left hand, and with a somewhat reserved expression. There is a monument behind the statue, with biographical inscriptions. The statue resides on the corner of a major intersection in the small town of Chachoengsao, ~50kms to the east of Bangkok. Easily found.

Phra Sunthorn Vohara wrote a sizeable body of work depicting various aspects of Thai life and culture. Components of his works have made their way into modern Thai literature and popular entertainment. In 1986, the 200th anniversary of his birth, the poet was declared by UNESCO to be a world poet. His greatest work, and one popular in Thailand, is The Phra Apaimanee Saga.

This is a colourful 30,000 line saga, which describes the adventures of two young-adult aged, royal brothers, as they deal with the vicissitudes of life in ancient Thailand. I have read that the brothers are 'Byronic', and 'romantic' characters. The saga was partly composed behind prison bars, and took on the order of two decades to complete, but apparently, there is no real ending. The story is left open.

Much like his character's the poet lead an interesting life. From a broken home, he was alternatively rewarded and imprisoned, honoured and rejected, a holder of important offices and a near outcast. Also, his luck with the ladies was not the best. An interesting life, one still remembered.

URL of the statue: Not listed

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