Ban Maha Phai and Phrae Dam: From Silent Movie to Novel? (The Siam Society)

The article by David Smyth explores the relationship between the early 20th-century Thai novel Phrae Dam by Luang Saranupraphan and the Western film serial The House of Hate (Ban Maha Phai in Thai). It challenges the long-held belief that Phrae Dam was plagiarized from the film, asserting instead that while there are superficial similarities, Luang Saranupraphan’s work is an original creation. The paper highlights Saranupraphan’s significance in promoting original Thai literature and argues that his reputation has been unfairly diminished due to misconceptions about the novel’s originality.

Thai literature is rich and vibrant, spanning from its classical roots to the modern era. Thai writers have long been known for their linguistic skills and creativity. In the transition from classical composition to modern fiction, many authors, while influenced by foreign works, set out to create original pieces that reflect uniquely Thai stories and experiences. This case of Phrae Dam by Luang Saranupraphan, showcases the endeavor of a Thai writer during this age of literary transformation. The Thailand Foundation invites you to explore this wonderful yet misunderstood piece of fiction, shedding light on the ambition and creativity that have shaped Thai literature through the ages.