Phan Thai Norasing

The real-size statue of Phan Thai Norasing

Phan Thai Norasing (Thai: พันท้ายนรสิงห์) is a legendary figure mentioned in some later editions of the royal chronicles of Ayutthaya. He is described as a coxswain of King Sanphet VIII's royal barge in the Ayutthaya period who was famous for honesty and integrity. Phan Thai Norasing served his duty as the coxswain until around 1704 that the accident was happened during King Sanphet VIII's fishing trip causing damage to the boat. From this, he willingly accepted the consequence according to Thai ancient monarch law which is execution. Although, he was given a pardon not to be headed. From his heroic decision, he became the historical figure and is worshipped by a later generation. Therefore, there are many legacies dedicated to him such as his shrines which they are presumed to be his execution spots, renovated canal, and a monument, etc. Also, a story of Phan Thai Norasing has been conveyed through various forms of entertainment including films, TV series, and musicals. Even though plots of them might be altered or extended but the core of the story regarding honesty will still be presented to be an example for progeny.

Life[edit]

Even though it cannot be fully confirmed whether he actually existed or not.[1] But based on few available historic records, the original name of Phan Thai Norasing is "Sing" (Thai:สิงห์) and his birthplace is assumed to be Bhan Bha Mhok, Ang Thong in current time.[2] Also, he had a wife named "Sri Naun".[3] For "Phan Thai", it is a title for coxswain in Thai and how Sing earned this title started from the first meeting between Sing and King Sanphet VIII (Phrachao Suea) during King Sanphet VIII's trip in Ang Thong.[4] During the trip, he disguised as a civilian and met Sing through boxing match.[5] After that, Sing was called by King Sanphet VIII and became coxswain or "Phan Thai" in Thai and became very close after that.

Death[edit]

Statues in Phan Thai Norasing historical park presenting the scene when Pha Thai Norasing convinced King Sanphet VIII to order the execution for him

According to historical records, the execution of Phan Thai Norasing occurred 1704 at Khok Kham Canal, Sakornburi (Samut Sakorn in the present time).[6] The name of Phrachao Suea's royal barge that Phan Tha Norasing steering is Ekkachai. Khok Kham canal before restoration was very twisted so, it was very hazardous to travel through. However, Phan Thai Norasing chose this path accidentally or some historians suggest that he wanted to protect King Sanphet VIII from assassins.[7] Eventually, the royal barge was accidentally hit with a large tree and the figurehead of the royal barge was damaged and fallen off.[8] The consequence of guilty coxswain is beheading based on ancient monarch law.[1] Sing was initially given a special pardon from King Sanphet VIII because he thought it was just an accident but Sing denied. King Sanphet then ordered the crew to create a clay statue represented Sing and beheaded it instead. However, Sing still insisted so King Sanphet VIII had no choice but ordering him to be executed.

Legacy[edit]

Because of his life story, he is worshipped and respected by later generation as well as becoming a model of honesty. From this, many shrines and statues were built to dedicate his heroic action. Locations of shrines are based on presumed execution points which are around Khok kham canal.

Phan Thai Norasing's shrine[edit]

This shrine is located at the mouth of Khok Kham canal, Phanthai Norasing, Muang Samut Sakorn, Samut Sakorn. It is believed to be the oldest original point of Phan Thai Norasing's execution. For the shrine, it was an eyes-level height shrine that contained the head of Phan Thai Norasing and the figurehead of the Ekkachai barge together. As time goes by, the original shrine was scoured and destroyed by water. In 1950, however, the new shrine was constructed by His Royal Highness Prince Panuphun Yukhon from filming a movie in the same year. The new shrine is also eyes-level height and has 6 legs. Additionally, there is a statue of Phan Thai Norasing which is made up of sandalwood.[9]

  • The front of Phan Thai Norasing's shrine (Khok Kham canal)
    The front of Phan Thai Norasing's shrine (Khok Kham canal)
  • The eye-level height shrine believed to formerly contain the head of Phan Thai Norasing and the damaged figurehead of the barge
    The eye-level height shrine believed to formerly contain the head of Phan Thai Norasing and the damaged figurehead of the barge
  • The sandalwood statue of Phan Thai Norasing in the shrine
    The sandalwood statue of Phan Thai Norasing in the shrine
  • The damaged figurehead of Ekkachai royal barge
    The damaged figurehead of Ekkachai royal barge

Phan Thai Norasing Historical Park[edit]

the location of this historic park is Bhan Phanthai, Phanthai Norasing, Muang Samut Sakorn, Samut Sakorn. It is also believed to be an original point of Phan Thai Norasing's execution as the damaged 80-centimetres wood believed to be the figurehead and a stick were found by the Fine Arts Department and teachers of Suankularb Wittayalai School. Through scientific examination, these woods were in the same period as Phan Thai Norasing. So, the stick was hypothesized to be scaffold of Phan Thai Norasing's execution.[10] This place was registered as a national historic site by the Fine Arts Department published in Government Gazette Volume 53, page 1533 on 27 September 1936.[11] and the new shrine was reconstructed by Fine Art Department at 4 January 1995.[10] In the shrine, the real-size statue is created and established in 1976.[10] The pose of a real-size statue of Phan Thai Norasing is steering a barge. Moreover, people usually come to the shrine to worship his shrine for fortune and wishes, According to historic records, Sing loves Thai boxing and cock fighting[1] thus, people commonly worship Phan Thai Norasing's shine with cock statuettes, boxing glove and paddle.[1] There is also a 300-years old barge presumed to be a ruin of a royal processor or an army dispatch.[12] The dimensions of this barge are 19.47 meters by length, 2.09 meters by width, 1 meters by height, and 7.5-centimeters thick gunnels[12]

  • The main shrine of Phan Thai norasing historical park containing the real-size statue of him
    The main shrine of Phan Thai norasing historical park containing the real-size statue of him
  • The inside of Phan Thai Norasing's shrine containing the real-size statue of him
    The inside of Phan Thai Norasing's shrine containing the real-size statue of him
  • Cock statuettes that people use for worshipping Phan Thai Norasing
    Cock statuettes that people use for worshipping Phan Thai Norasing
  • The place believed to be the execution spot of Phan Thai Norasing
    The place believed to be the execution spot of Phan Thai Norasing
  • A 300-years old barge in Phan Thai Norasing Historical Park presumed to be the ruin of army dispatch or royal barge
    A 300-years old barge in Phan Thai Norasing Historical Park presumed to be the ruin of army dispatch or royal barge
  • The front sign of Phan Thai Norasing historical park
    The front sign of Phan Thai Norasing historical park

Mahachai canal[edit]

Created after the execution of Phan Thai Norasing, to mourn his integrity and improve the convenience of water transportation. The excavation was occurred and was started from the reign of King Sanphet VIII to the reign of King Sanphet IX ( King Sanphet VIII's son).[13] The starting point of this canal is en entrance of Tha Chin River to Khok Kham as the end. This canal has 3 meters deep, 16 meters wide, and 10 meters deep (bottom).[13] There are 30,000 workers who worked on this canal.[13] The former/alternative name was Khok Kham canal.[14] It was also called "Dhan canal" by people on Thonburi side.[3]

Phan Thai Norasing 's Monument[edit]

It is located at Norasing, Bha Mhok, Ang Thong which was believed to be his birthplace so, this monument was constructed to honor him. The opening ceremony of the monument was on 4 November 1989.[15]

Norasing Sub-district[edit]

According to the historic record, Phan Thai Norasing was presumed to be civilian in this place which was located at Bhan Bha Mhok district, Ang Thong so, this sub-district was later established to dedicate to Phan Thai Norasing's loyalty and devotion.[2]

In popular culture[edit]

Many media of entertainment have been telling the heroic story of Phan Thai Norasing including musicals, movies, and TV series. Also, comics and books are prominent media too.

Forms of media Year Phan Thai Norasing (Actors)
Musical 1945 Surasit Sattayawong
Movie 1950 Choochai Prakanchai
Musical 1965 Gamton Suwanbpiyasìrí
TV series 1972 Gamton Suwanbpiyasìrí
TV series 1978 Nirut Sirijanya
Movie 1982 Sorapong Chatree
Musical 1989 Saranyoo Wonggrajaang
TV series 2000 Teerapat Sajakul
Movie 2015 Pongsakorn Maytdtagaanon
TV series 2016 Pongsakorn Maytdtagaanon

Musicals[edit]

Phan Thai Norasing (1945)[edit]

This is the very first time that the story of Phan Thai Norasing was made into a form of entertainment. The plot of this musical was adapted from royal chronicle and historical facts in the reign of King Sanphet VIII by His Royal Highness Prince Panuphun Yukhon. It was performed by Siwarhom crew which main characters are Surasit Sattayawong as Phan Thai Norasing, Suphan Buranaphim as Naun, and Jhok Dokjan as King Sanphet VIII. In this musical, there is a soundtrack titled "naam dtaa saeng-dtai" (น้ำตาแสงใต้ in Thai), in the farewell scene between Sing and Naun.the track and musical was very beloved during and after World War II.[16]

Phan Thai Norasing (1965)[edit]

This musical was a special stage for charity hosted by Thai association against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.[citation needed] The musical was performed at Thammasat University's auditorium.[citation needed] Main characters are played by Gamton Suwanbpiyasìrí as Phan Thai Norasing, Nonglak Rohjonpan as Naun, and Chalong Simasatian as King Sanphet VIII.[citation needed]

Phan Thai Norasing (1989)[edit]

The musical was performed at Chalerm tai theaters. It is a special event as a farewell before it was demolished.[17] Main characters are played by Saranyoo Wonggrajaang as Phan Thai Norasing, Nataya Daengbungaa as Naun, and Pisaan Akarasaynee as King Sanphet VIII.[17]

Movies[edit]

Phan Thai Norasing (1950)[edit]

This was firstly recreated as a movie by His Royal Highness Prince Panuphun Yukhon.The plot is adapted from the plot of the first musical.[18] Main characters were played by Choochai Prakanchai, a famous Thai boxer as Phan Thai Norasing, Suphan Buranaphim as Naun, and Tanom Akarasaynee as King Sanphet VIII.[19] The director of this movie by Marut.[18] Release date of this movie was 1 March 1950[19]

Phrachao Suea Phan Thai Norasing (1982)[edit]

This movie was produced in 35 mm movie film by Chaiyo Productions Co., Ltd..[20] The movie's name is "Phrachao Suea Phan Thai Norasing". Main characters were played by Sorapong Chatree as Phan Thai Norasing, Apaporn Konthip as Naun, and Sombat Metanee as King Sanphet VIII.[20] This movie was also directed by Marut [20]

Phan Thai Norasing (2015)[edit]

This version was directed by Prince Chatrichalerm Yukol.[21] The plot is also based on the plot of His Royal Highness Prince Panuphun Yukhon. The release date is 30 December 2015.[22] Main characters were played by Pongsakorn Maytdtagaanon as Phan Thai Norasing, Lieutenant Colonel Wanchana Sawasdee as King Sanphet VIII, and Pimdao Panitsamai as Naun[22]

Television series[edit]

Phan Thai Norasing (1972)[edit]

The first TV series version was aired on channel 4 Bangkhunprom which is now MCOT HD channel.[citation needed] Main characters were played by Gamton Suwanbpiyasìrí as Phan Thai Norasing and Nonglak Rohjonpan as Naun.[citation needed]

Phan Thai Norasing (1978)[edit]

This version was aired on channel 5.[23] Main characters were played by Nirut Sirijanya as Phan Thai Norasing and Duangjai Hataigan as Naun[23]

Phan Thai Norasing (2000)[edit]

This version was firstly aired on channel 7.[24] There are 28 episodes in total. The plot was adapted from a movie version written by His Royal Highness Prince Panuphun Yukhon. This version was directed by Pisaan Akarasaynee.[24] Main characters were played by Teerapat Sajakul as Phan Thai Norasing, Phiyada Jutharattanakul as Naun, and Pongpat Wachirabunjong as King Sanphet VIII.[24]

Phan Thai Norasing (2016)[edit]

This latest version was directed and written by Chatrichalerm Yukol.[25] Main characters were played by Pongsakorn Maytdtagaanon as Phan Thai Norasing, Lieutenant Colonel Wanchana Sawasdee as King Sanphet VIII, and Pimdao Panitsamai as Naun.[25] The series was started on air on 4 March 2016 and ended on 6 June 2016, 19 episodes in total. It was aired on Workpoint channel.[25]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d "ศาลพันท้ายนรสิงห์ มากราบไหว้ขอพรเพื่อความสำเร็จ". Thaidode.com. 2016-08-01. Retrieved 2019-10-08.
  2. ^ a b Trītham. (2010). Phanthāi Nō̜rasing phūkhrō̜ng čhai Phračhao Sư̄a, phūčhongrak phakdī thī yingyai rai kham wā sō̜ng māttrathān. Bangkok: Samnakphim Prāt. p. 20. ISBN 9786167042473. OCLC 695684698.
  3. ^ a b "ประวัติพันท้ายนรสิงห์ นายทหารกล้าผู้ยึดมั่นในความซื่อสัตย์และจงรักภักดี". kapook.com. 2016-06-20. Retrieved 2019-10-07.
  4. ^ Trītham. (2010). Phanthāi Nō̜rasing phūkhrō̜ng čhai Phračhao Sư̄a, phūčhongrak phakdī thī yingyai rai kham wā sō̜ng māttrathān. Bangkok: Samnakphim Prāt. p. 21. ISBN 9786167042473. OCLC 695684698.
  5. ^ Sakon Liāmmukda. (2006). Panthai Norasing. Phat̄sakon̜̄ Kruưtsamai. Bangkok: Amarin Book Centre. p. 43. ISBN 9749394542. OCLC 652079869.
  6. ^ Trītham. (2010). Phanthāi Nō̜rasing phūkhrō̜ng čhai Phračhao Sư̄a, phūčhongrak phakdī thī yingyai rai kham wā sō̜ng māttrathān. Bangkok: Samnakphim Prāt. p. 14. ISBN 9786167042473. OCLC 695684698.
  7. ^ เอิงเอย (2013-08-01). "สักการะ ศาลพันท้ายนรสิงห์ อนุสรณ์แห่งความภักดี". travel.trueid.net. Retrieved 2019-10-08.
  8. ^ "Phan Thai Norasing Shrine". Tourism Authority. Retrieved 2019-09-25.
  9. ^ "ศาลพันท้ายนรสิงห์". ไปด้วยกันท่องเที่ยว. Retrieved 2019-10-07.
  10. ^ a b c เนชั่นทีวี, 2017-05-11, Lineกนก ตามรอยพันท้ายนรสิงห์ 7 พฤษภาคม 2560. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BzLofQB_yw
  11. ^ "Pantai Norasingh Shrine".
  12. ^ a b see-you (2011-02-28). "อุทยานประวัติศาสตร์พันท้ายนรสิงห์ สมุทรสาคร". oknation.nationtv.tv. Retrieved 2019-10-08.
  13. ^ a b c travelor (2019-08-14). "กราบศาล "พันท้ายนรสิงห์" นายท้ายเรือของสมเด็จพระเจ้าเสือ สมุทรสาคร". ท่องเที่ยวไทย เที่ยวทะเล เที่ยวน้ำตก เที่ยวภูเขา ร้านอาหารและที่พัก (in Thai). Retrieved 2019-10-08.
  14. ^ Sakon Liāmmukda. (2006). Panthai Norasing. Phat̄sakon̜̄ Kruưtsamai. Bangkok: Amarin Book Centre. p. 129. ISBN 9749394542. OCLC 652079869.
  15. ^ "อนุสาวรีย์พันท้ายนรสิงห์". thailandtourismdirectory.go.th (in Thai). Retrieved 2019-10-07.
  16. ^ "Thai Movie Posters". www.facebook.com. 2016-03-13. Retrieved 2019-10-09.
  17. ^ a b "ตอนที่ 16 ... พันท้ายนรสิงห์ ยุค 2541 - เมื่อประมาณปี พ.ศ. 2532 กรุงเทพมหานครมีแนวความคิดที่จะทุบอาคารด้านซ้ายของถนนราชดำเนินใน เมื่อมองจากสะพานผ่านฟ้าลีลาศไปยังอนุสาวรีย์ประชาธิปไตย เพื่อเปิดมุมมองให้เห็นโลหะประสาทในวัดราชนัดดาฯ อันเป็นโบราณสถานสำคัญ ซึ่งมีอยู่เพียง 3 แห่งในโลก ให้เห็นเด่นเป็นสง่าแต่ไกล การนี้ทำให้ศาลาเฉลิมไทย อันเป็นโรงภาพยนตร์ชั้นหนึ่งที่มีมาแต่โบราณ ต้องถูกทุบทิ้ง ในเรื่องนี้มีสถาปนิกหลายคนได้วิจารณ์กันมาก ซึ่งมีทั้งเห็นด้วยและไม่เห็นด้วยกับการกระทำดังกล่าว ?พันท้ายนรสิงห์?". PPS. Retrieved 2019-10-10.
  18. ^ a b "หอภาพยนตร์ Thai Film Archive". www.facebook.com. 2015-11-28. Retrieved 2019-10-10.
  19. ^ a b THAI FILM, พันท้ายนรสิงห์ [2493]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ab3k_RA3vrA
  20. ^ a b c ภาพยนตร์ 35 มม พระเจ้าเสือ พันท้ายนรสิงห์ Ver.พ.ศ.2525, retrieved 2019-10-10
  21. ^ พันท้ายนรสิงห์ (in Thai), retrieved 2019-10-10
  22. ^ a b tyler (2015-12-08). "พันท้ายนรสิงห์ ปล่อย 5 โปสเตอร์คาแรคเตอร์". mthai. Retrieved 2019-10-11.
  23. ^ a b "ภาพจากหนังสือเรื่องย่อละครไทย". www.facebook.com. 2018-04-26. Retrieved 2019-10-10.
  24. ^ a b c "ALWAYS ON MY MIND: พันท้ายนรสิงห์ (2000)". ALWAYS ON MY MIND. Retrieved 2019-10-10.
  25. ^ a b c "4 เม.ย.นี้ ช่องเวิร์คพอยท์ ส่ง "พันท้ายนรสิงห์" ละครโทรทัศน์แห่งความซื่อสัตย์ เต็มอิ่ม ครบอรรถรส ครบทุกฉาก - Workpoint". www.workpoint.co.th (in Thai). 2016-03-31. Retrieved 2019-10-10.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Phan_Thai_Norasing&oldid=1179977206"