June 26 is a national observance in Thailand commemorating the birth of the man often called “the Shakespeare of Siam”, Sunthorn Phu. The kingdom’s best-known royal poet, he began his career during the reign of King Rama II. When that king died, Sunthorn Phu resigned from the role and became a monk. Twenty years later, in the reign of King Rama III, he returned to court as … Continue reading Sunthorn Phu Day / วันสุนทรภู่