Sunthorn Phu

Who was Sunthorn Phu?

Phra Sunthorn Vohara, known as Sunthorn Phu, is Thailand’s best-known royal poet. He authored during the Rattanakosin era.

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 especially renowned for composing verse, and his conventions in epic poetry are popular in Thailand to the present day. His canonical works include Nirat Phukaothong, Nirat Suphan, and the Phra Aphai Mani saga.