Thewan Kham Kap: A Thai Folktale with the Changing Details from Jataka

Abstract

Thewan Kham Kap is a recorded type of Thai Folktale which was created when Thai society was fond of storytelling or Klon Suat (Thai religious verse) at social gathering or in the household from around Early Rattanakosin Period to the reign of King Rama V. Nowadays, the original version of Thewan Kham Kap is securely kept at the Archival Department, National Library of Thailand, Bangkok.
Thewan Kham Kap is originated from Thewan Jataka which is one of the tales in Pannasa Jataka. A poet changed some details of the characters and incidents in the story such as the characters’ names, characteristics, and behaviors. The poet also adapted and added motif and incidents from other well-known literatures or famous tales. Therefore, Thewan Kham Kap was differentiated from the original story; and that made it appear to be humorous and fun to read. Moreover, the poet simplified moral principles appeared in the story to be more comprehensible and easier to memorize for the readers who were mostly the villagers.
Thewan Kham Kap is one of the interesting and valuable Thai folktales. It reflects the poet’s wisdom, omniscience, and talent for adapting religious tales into a good folktale. Hence, it should be conserved as well as widely publicized.