Seminar with Professor Pasuk Phongpaichit, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand and Dr Chris Baker, Independent Scholar
Presented by the University of Sydney, Co-hosted by Southeast Asian Studies and Australian Mekong Resource Centre
This literary event showcases the publication of the English-language edition of the classic Thai epic, The Tale of Khun Chang Khun Phaen, newly translated by Chris Baker and Pasuk Phongpaichit. First developed as a popular folk tale centuries ago, the plot is a tragic love story, set against a background of war, but with many elements included that make it appealing for performance. Later adapted and written down by the Siamese court, this edition is the first English-language translation of the tale, and is based on Prince Damrong’s standard edition of 1917–18, with over a hundred passages recovered from earlier versions. The new edition is fully annotated, with over four hundred original line drawings and an essay on the history and background of the tale.
The authors are both widely respected experts on Thai history, politics and culture. As co-authors, they have written A History of Thailand, Thailand: Economy and Politics, Thaksin, and published several translations. Chris Baker formerly taught Asian history in Cambridge University and has lived in Thailand for over thirty years. Pasuk Phongpaichit is Professor of Economics at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok.
Seminar held in Conference Room (449), Madsen Building, The University of Sydney