Battle of Mingyi Swa and King Naresuan (January 18, 1593)
Photo Credit: The land of the great image by Maurice Collis
This in-depth literary analysis explores how the figure of King Naresuan the Great has been constructed across Thai texts, from chronicles and verse to novels, dramas, and film. Using narrative techniques such as symbolic conflict, dramatic scenes, and heroic character building, these stories present King Naresuan as a selfless warrior, savior of the nation, and a model of Buddhist virtue. Each retelling reflects the social, political, and religious values of its time, making King Naresuan a cultural mirror of Thai aspirations.
The Thailand Foundation invites you to engage with this study as a way of understanding how national heroes shape and reflect Thai identity. The evolving portrayals of King Naresuan speak to core Thai values of duty, unit, and respect for one’s heritage. His image, built through centuries of storytelling, continues to inspire courage, sacrifice, and love for the nation.
✍️ Author: Marasri Sothip
This article was published in the Rian Thai International Journal of Thai Studies and is being shared by the Thailand Foundation with permission from the Thai Studies Center, Chulalongkorn University, all rights reserved to the owner of the material.
