Origins & Early Life

Phra Sunthorn Vohara (Phu) (Thai: พระสุนทรโวหาร (ภู่), RTGS: Phra Sunthonwohan (Phu), pronounced [pʰá.sǔn.tʰɔ̄ːn.woː.hǎːn.pʰûː]; 26 June 1786 – 1855), known as Sunthorn Phu (Thai: สุนทรภู่, RTGS: Sunthonphu, pronounced [sǔn.tʰɔ̄ːn.pʰûː]), was a Thai poet. He is often referred to as the "Shakespeare of Thailand." Born four years after the founding of the Rattanakosin Kingdom, he entered royal service as a court scribe during the reign of King Rama II. After the King's death, he ordained as a monk for nearly 20 years before returning to government service near the end of King Rama III's reign. He served as a scribe to Prince Chuthamani, later known as Krom Khun Isaret Rangsan.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

During the reign of King Mongkut, he was promoted to the rank of Phra Sunthorn Vohara, Chief of the Department of Royal Scribes of the Front Palace, his final official position before his death. Phu's career as a royal poet began in the reign of King Rama II, and when the king died, he resigned from the role and became a monk. Twenty years later, in the reign of King Rama III, he returned to court as a royal scribe, where he remained for the rest of his life. Phu was renowned for composing verse, and his epic poetry...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Bernardo de Gálvez — Contemporary (Died in 1786) (1786): Spanish military leader and colonial governor instrumental in securing Spanish territories.
• Carl Maria von Weber — Contemporary (Born in 1786) (1786): Pioneering German composer, central to the development of German Romantic opera.
• Carl Wilhelm Scheele — Contemporary (Died in 1786) (1786): Pioneering chemist known for discovering oxygen and numerous vital elements.
• Adam Mickiewicz — Contemporary (Died in 1855) (1855): National Poet of Poland, Romantic master, and leading voice of Slavic literature.
• Alice Freeman Palmer — Contemporary (Born in 1855) (1855): Pioneering American educator and advocate for women's higher education.
• Andrew Mellon — Contemporary (Born in 1855) (1855): American banker, industrialist, and politician who served as Secretary of the Treasury.
• Ahmad Sirhindi — Shared historical date (06-26 · Born) (1564): Influential Naqshbandi Sufi scholar who championed Islamic orthodoxy in the Mughal era.
• Alexander Zakharchenko — Shared historical date (06-26 · Born) (1976): Pro-Russian separatist leader and head of the Donetsk People's Republic.
• Davy Crockett — Historical peer (Born in 1786) (1786): American frontiersman, politician, and folk hero known for his life in Tennessee and the Texas Revolution.
• Eva Ekeblad — Historical peer (Died in 1786) (1786): Pioneering Swedish agriculturist and the first female member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences.
• 1786 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1786
• June 26 (06-26) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on June 26
• 1855 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1855