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Thai Literature at the Crossroads of Modernity: Advancing a Critique of Neo-Liberal

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Thai Literature at the Crossroads of Modernity: Advancing a Critique of Neo-Liberal Thai Literature at the Crossroads of Modernity: Advancing a Critique of Neo-liberal Development though the Writings of Khamsing Srinawk and Chart Korbjitti A thesis presented to the faculty of the Center for International Studies of Ohio University In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Master of Arts Matthew J. Ozea August 2008 2 This thesis titled Thai Literature at the Crossroads of Modernity: Advancing a Critique of Neo-liberal Development through the Writings of Khamsing Srinawk and Chart Korbjitti by MATTHEW J. OZEA has been approved for the Center for International Studies by Richard B. McGinn Associate Professor Emeritus of Linguistics Gene Ammarell Director, Southeast Asian Studies Daniel Weiner Executive Director, Center for International Studies 3 ABSTRACT OZEA, MATTHEW J., M.A., August 2008, Southeast Asian Studies Thai Literature at the Crossroads of Modernity: Advancing a Critique of Neo-liberal Development through the Writings of Khamsing Srinawk and Chart Korbjitti (132 pp.) Director of Thesis: Richard B. McGinn Throughout its modern history, Thailand has experienced incredible change, resulting in a marked tension between traditional values and those of the “modern” world. During this turbulent process of modernization, new social groups emerged to challenge both the status quo and military regimes. This thesis analyzes how two noted literary figures from these socially conscious groups, Khamsing Srinawk and Chart Korbjitti, critique their rapidly changing society, and how their works underscore a sense of increasing futility and powerlessness as the old world of custom and extended families comes into contact with the new world of materialism and competitive individualism. The writings of Khamsing and Chart function on two distinct yet interrelated levels. From one perspective, their works serve as exemplary pieces of poignant literature, which effectively highlight a worrisome shift in values within Thailand, while also addressing universal themes concerning the purpose and meaning of life. From another perspective, their writings operate as biting criticisms that point to greater and more comprehensive socio-political problems. Their nuanced treatment of the rapid shift in values that has occurred within Thailand during the modern era is indicative of a much larger structural problem not only for Thailand, but also for the rest of the developing world. The critiques of Westernization, globalization, and development presented by these two 4 authors, both indirectly in their fiction and directly in my interviews with them, can be tenably extrapolated to serve as a broader critique of the neo-liberal development agenda that has been employed in Thailand during the past three decades. The works of Khamsing and Chart do more than simply imply that Thailand’s development model is unsound; they each view the system as tragically flawed, personifying its failings in many of the tragic characters in their stories. Approved: _____________________________________________________________ Richard B. McGinn Associate Professor Emeritus of Linguistics 5 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The guidance, help, and unfailing support of numerous friends, professors, and loved ones find fruition in this completed project. First and foremost, I owe an incredible debt of gratitude to Chart Korbjitti and Khamsing Srinawk, for this thesis would not be what it is today without their willingness to share so much with me. I stand in awe of these men as both literary figures and human beings. Through Chart and Khamsing, I experienced first-hand the type of kindness and complete hospitality that would come to characterize the majority of my time spent in Thailand. They taught me a great deal about the fusion between theory and practice, and also about humanity. It is difficult to convey how much their sincerity and generosity means to me. I am also very grateful for the help of Pae Chartvut for his help with the interviews I conducted with Khamsing and Chart at their respective homes in Khorat in December 2007. Pae, an emerging Thai author who Chart openly complimented on several occasions, rendered nuanced translations of some very dense concepts and ideas. Marcel Barang, a preeminent translator of Thai literature into English and French, and a longtime friend of Chart, was also willing to share an afternoon with me discussing modern Thai fiction, for which I am very thankful. To my thesis committee of Dr. Richard McGinn, Dr. Elizabeth Collins, and Dr. William Frederick, I am also very appreciative. Dr. Frederick ingrained in me the import of clarity. Dr. McGinn served as the perfect advisor. Adeptly blending support, direction, and supervision, Dr. McGinn gladly offered me more hours of his time than I 6 ever would have felt comfortable asking for. Dr. Collins has been my mentor during the past three years. She has helped me academically, professionally, and personally in tremendous ways. I feel very fortunate to have enjoyed the opportunity to work so closely with these people, whom I harbor great respect for, personally and academically. Thank you to the people of the Department of Southeast Asian Studies at Ohio University, who allowed me into their fold in 2005 and have finally seen me through to the successful completion of my degree. I also want to thank Sara, my family, and all of my friends, who were subjected to countless hours of academic ramblings. Their encouragement and willingness to simply listen gave me the strength to complete this project, and will not be soon forgotten. To all those mentioned, and to the others not named, but who engaged and supported me in my academic endeavors, I extend a heartfelt thanks. It is I, not them, who takes sole responsibility for any errors or shortcomings in this work. However, if there is any merit or praise to be found in what is contained in these pages, that must be shared among the many, named and unnamed, who helped and guided me along the way. 7 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Abstract ............................................................................................................................... 3 Acknowledgments............................................................................................................... 5 Chapter One: Thailand – Traditional versus Modern Values ........................................... 10 Theoretical Framework ................................................................................................. 12 Critique of Neo-liberalism: Thailand 1945-2005 ......................................................... 17 Chapter Two: Khamsing Srinawk ..................................................................................... 28 The 1950s and 1960s: Khamsing and a Heavy-Handed Government .......................... 30 “The Politician” ............................................................................................................ 33 “Breeding Stock” .......................................................................................................... 36 “Quack Doctor” ............................................................................................................ 37 “The Gold-Legged Frog” .............................................................................................. 38 “Dust Underfoot ............................................................................................................ 38 “The Plank” ................................................................................................................... 39 The “Dark Ages” in Thailand (1958-1963) .................................................................. 40 “Dunghill” ..................................................................................................................... 41 “Owners of Paradise” .................................................................................................... 42 “The Peasant and the White Man” ................................................................................ 43 “Clash” .......................................................................................................................... 44 “Dark Glasses” .............................................................................................................. 45 “Sales Reps for the Underworld” .................................................................................. 46 8 “Happy Birthday, Grandpa” ......................................................................................... 47 Growing Unrest and Revolution: Khamsing’s Literary Role Renewed ....................... 48 “Paradise Preserved” ..................................................................................................... 50 “I Lost My Teeth” ......................................................................................................... 51 “The Buffalo with the Red Horns” ............................................................................... 52 After 1976: The Jungle, Exile, and a Final Story ......................................................... 53 “Intercourse” ................................................................................................................. 54 Conclusion .................................................................................................................... 55 Chapter Three: Chart Korbjitti .......................................................................................... 57 Literature, Students, and Social Revolution ................................................................
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