Development of the study on Phra Suphankanlaya in Thai society

Abstract

This research article aimed to study the development of the study on Phra Suphan kanlaya in Thai society. A qualitative research methodology was used, examining historical documents and research related to Phra Suphankanlaya. The data were analyzed for content, categorized by relevant issues, and summarized and discussed descriptively. The research results found that over the past 400 years, information and academic works related to Phra Suphankanlaya have been limited in Thai history. However, they were found in Burmese chronicles. An important turning point in the study of Phra Suphankanlaya in Thai society occurred approximately two decades ago, starting in 1997, a time when Thailand was experiencing an economic crisis. During this period, the study of Phra Suphankanlaya expanded from historical and political perspectives to cultural, belief, gender, and feminist studies. Semiotics and local development have resulted in the story of Phra Suphankanlaya, a historical figure, not being stopped in the past but being revived to life again in the present era. The current of faith to Phra Suphankanlaya has continued to grow and was a phenomenon driven more by the power of the people than by government support. Although Thai history has historically neglected to record the story of Phra Suphankanlaya. However, the widespread study of Phra Suphan Kanlaya, both academically and in terms of public belief, has led to her being honored as a selfless heroine, leading the government to officially acknowledge her existence and initiate a historical revision process.