Khun Chang Khun Phaen, Thailand's most famous legend – part 4
Thailand's most famous epic is about the tragic love triangle between Khun Chang, Khun Phaen and the beautiful Wanthong. The story probably dates back to the 17th century and was originally an oral story full of drama, tragedy, sex, adventure and the supernatural. Over time, it has been constantly modified and expanded, and has remained a popular and entertaining epic told by itinerant storytellers and troubadours. It was at the Siamese court, in the late nineteenth century, that the story was first recorded in writing. This is how a standardized, sanitized version of this famous story was created. Chris Baker and Pashuk Phongpaichit translated and adapted this story for an English speaking audience and published 'The Tale of Khung Chang, Khun Phaen'.
Part 4 today.
Khun Phaen surrenders
Phaen and Wanthong lived in the jungle, they were happy and happy together. Before long, Wanthong was pregnant. This made the couple realize that their wilderness life could not last forever. The jungle was no place for a small child to grow up. After six months, Khun Phaen decided: “We have to turn ourselves in. The best way to do that is with the governor of Phichit. He is known to be a good and generous person.” And so happened. Thanks in part to Khun Phaen's mantras, the governor propitiated them. The couple were guests for a month and became good friends with the governor and his wife. Khun Phaen left his faithful horse Sie-Mok and his sword Faa-Fuun safe, and then he and Wanthong were handed over to the palace in Ayutthaya.
The trial against Khun Phaen could begin. “Khun Chang states that Wanthong was married off to him by Wanthong's mother and that she therefore belongs to him. Second, Chang claims that Phaen not only kidnapped his wife, but also stole much of his property. Finally, he states that Phaen tortured him when he went after them in the jungle, but for this last fact there are no witnesses to confirm this.
Phaen denied all charges, stating that he married Wanthong and they lived together as husband and wife until he led the king's army in a military campaign. He countered that Khun Chang was wrong in proposing to Wanthong when she already had a husband. "That is not true!" cried Khun Chang. The judges gave the floor to several witnesses and advised the king to make the following decision: “We are dust under the soles of the royal feet. Wanthong's mother is found guilty of negligence in marrying her daughter off to Khun Chang. Khun Chang is found guilty of adultery and illegally demolishing a bridal house. Both are punished with caning and public humiliation. Khun Chang will also have to compensate Khun Phaen financially. If Khun Phaen is not concerned about his karma, he may have Khun Chang executed. Wanthong is returned to Khun Phaen. We have decided by royal decree.” The king asks Phaen if he wants the death sentence for Khun Chang, “No, I am not seeking revenge. Execute only the punishments and financial compensation as His Majesty wishes.” So it happened and the case was closed.
Khun Phaen in prison
From that day on, Khun Phaen lived with his Wanthong, Saithong and Kaeo Kiriya. However, he still missed his fourth wife, Laothong. He couldn't stomach the fact that he was now enjoying a free life and Laothong still had to serve at court. That contradicted his promise to her to always take care of her. Against all advice, he went to the king and asked the majesty to return his Laothong. Enraged, the king bellowed, “How dare this flail question my generosity shown? He has already had his way on all fronts and now he also wants Laothong back?! He must be afraid that I enjoy her body. I have to put a limit on the Never Enough Caterpillar. Cuff him!”
Phaen allowed himself to be locked up and Kaeo Kiriya came to live near the prison to take care of him. Khun Chang took advantage of this moment and kidnapped Wanthong back to his house, “Khun Phaen is in prison, who knows for how many years before he can come and get you? Move in with me and be happy”. A screaming, swearing Wanthong tried with all his might to stop Chang, but he bit her that in her heavily pregnant state she had better not resist. He coupled up with her and fulfilled his wildest dreams. Crying, Wanthong surrendered her body.
The birth of Phlai Ngam
Wanthong's delivery was very painful but without complications. Chang exclaimed, "It's a boy!" To make a long story short, the child was brought up to be of good character. At the age of nine, he looked exactly like his father: slightly stocky and handsome, fair skinned and a nicely rounded head. Wanthong gave him the name Phlai Ngam¹. Khun Chang said, “At first I thought he looked a bit like me, but this is definitely Khun Phaen's child”. Every day he dreamed of killing the child. One day, when Wanthong was sleeping, he took Phlai Ngam out on his shoulders. In a remote place in the woods, he threw it to the ground and then kicked, kicked and punched the child. Phlai Ngam cried out in panic, “Mother help me! Father, don't kill me!" But Khun Chang could have no mercy and continued until Phlai Ngam lost consciousness. Khun Chang covered the body with leaves, branches and stones and left it for dead.
Fortunately, the spirits of Khun Phaen came to the rescue, freeing the child from his position and letting Wanthong dream about what had just happened. Wanthong awoke with fear and worry in her heart. She rushed into the woods, looking for her child. There she found Phlai Ngam, crying and alone in the forest. Her son told how he had been helped by spirits who said they were the servant of one Khun Phaen. That prompted Wanthong to confess the truth to her Phlai Ngam, “My dear child, Khun Phaen that is the name of your real father. He and Khun Chang are arch rivals.” Wanthong brought the child to safety by hiding it with Khun Phaen's mother. There he learned Khmer and Thai, as well as Buddhist teachings, mantras and magic on the basis of father's manuscripts. Thus he mastered the art of invisibility, invincibility and opening of locks and doors and many other things.
When Phlai Ngam turned thirteen they went to the abbot to consult his horoscope. The abbot said, “This grandson of yours will become an incredible womanizer, just like his father. When he is eighteen he will acquire an official title and position. He will get a young woman with a bloodline from the north, but that will still cause him some problems. His father will be released in the second month of the Year of the Pig. After that everything will be fine”. Phlai Ngam was lodged in the capital with a friend of his father, who further taught him about the laws, rules and royal language to make him a good and loyal warrior. The young man studied diligently and knew nothing about dealing with women. Many young ladies liked him, but when they flirt with him he shy away. A how official and family friend took Phlai Ngam to the palace and introduced him to the king. He looked into Phlai Ngam's face, and for a moment the majesty thought of Khun Phean. Feeling pity, he was about to order Phaen's release. But because of karma this escaped his mind and he forgot to give this command. Phlai Ngam was from now on a servant of the king.
Phlai Ngam in the service of the king
A year passed, then a messenger from the north came with a disturbing message, a war was imminent. A few months earlier, the King of Chiang Mai heard about the exceptionally beautiful Princess Soithong², fifteen years old, daughter of the King of Lanchang. He asked for her hand in marriage but the king of Lanchang refused on the grounds that his daughter was still too young. Realizing that this would anger the King of Chiang Mai, he decided to give his daughter to the King of Ayutthaya in order to gain his protection. The king of Ayutthaya gladly accepted this offer and sent five hundred soldiers to Lanchang to escort the princess safely to Ayyutaya. On the way back to Ayutthaya, the escort was ambushed by the King of Chiang Mai. The princess was thus kidnapped and the Siamese soldiers captured.
The king of Ayutthaya was furious when this message reached him, “How dare that arrogant Lao! The princess is promised to me! I will destroy his entire family line!” The king ordered an army to be sent to Chiang Mai, “Put all of Chiang Mai in ashes, leave no wall standing!”. Searching for a leader, Phlai Ngam was the only warrior at court to volunteer. He did request that his father be released to assist him in the campaign. Emphasizing the need for a fast and agile operation, father and son chose only a small group of thirty-five warriors, selected from among the most notorious prisoners. In addition to Khun Phaen, Laothong was also released.
While leaving the capital, Khun Phaen, Phlai Ngam and their soldiers were watched by the populace. Women were greatly impressed by the handsome men, defiantly beckoned and shouted to them, "I would like to go to war, but all the action would tarnish my clothes." Another exclaimed, "I'd like to jump in the saddle with him and go for a ride."
Phlai Ngam meets Simala
After a long journey, the army arrived in Phichit, where father and son were received in the same way. Market women - young and old - smacked their lips, "What bodies, pretty enough to eat." Widows fell for Phun Phaen, “I think we are perfect for each other”, young women lost their hearts to Phlai Ngam. A lady rolled her eyebrows defiantly and twisted her shoulders so that her outerwear fell down and her breasts were exposed.
Phaen and Phlai Ngam visited the governor and his wife. They were welcomed as friends and talked about what had happened in recent years. Phaen explains that his force is on its way to Chiang Mai to get justice. The governor praised them, “You have a beautiful son. I was very disappointed that my wife gave birth to a daughter. Had it been a man, I would have sent him with you." He called his daughter: “Simila, come and sit with us”. Simala, carefully opened the door and surveyed the guests. The sight of the young man with his handsome face excited her. With her gaze lowered to the ground, she took a seat behind her mother. As she made a wai to greet the guests, her heart skipped a beat. Phlai Ngam returned a wai and got excited, “I have seen this woman in my dreams, oh how beautiful she is. Like a full moon, pure, clean and oh so beautiful”. Phlai Ngam's staring made Simala hide behind her mother, “So this is Phlai Ngam, He has a beautiful mouth and lips, a well-shaped face, a strong full chest and slender hips. He seems perfect. If he came to lie with me, I would eat him skin and hair.” They looked at each other without any embarrassment. Then Simala calmed down and shyly retreated into the house. Her servant saw this and teased her, “O spirits, of city or forest, do not frighten her too much. Wait until after sunset”. The governor gave his guests a tour and invited them to spend the night. Khun Phaen was also reunited with his sword Faa-Fuun and his horse Sie-Mok. Horse and master were very happy with the reunion.
The sun disappeared behind the horizon, the moon stood in a cloudless sky. Simala lay in bed and hugged her pillow, “Oh Phlai Ngam, how can you know that I am thinking of you right now? When we looked into each other's eyes did you immediately know what that meant? It's so hard for me as a woman, I have to keep my mouth shut and not show my love openly. If I were a man and you were a woman, I would come to see you tonight.”
After his father fell asleep, Phlai Ngam snuck out and slipped into Simala's bedroom. He pushed aside the mosquito net, and looked at her beautiful, sleeping body. His fingers slid over her breasts. He had never been with a woman. Simala opened her eyes and heard him speak softly, “Since the moment I saw you I have been burning with love and desire, if you are not willing I will die of a broken heart”. Those sweet words only intensified Simala's infatuation, but her feminine values dictated that she hold back, “Who gave you permission to enter here? You may be a real gentleman, but you should ask my parents' permission first.” “I love you more than anyone or anything, I assure you that I will ask your father for your hand. But don't let me go to battle tomorrow unless we could love each other, entrust your body to me." Simala was at odds with herself, believing in his sincerity but not wanting to risk someone catching them and disgrace her. She gave him a disapproving look, “Are all the men in Ayutthaya like that, with a quick and sharp tongue? Do you think us country bumpkins are all the same? Play with women's hearts, enjoy them, then never return for a hundred years. Leaving her full of shame that they have fallen for the tricks of Ayutthayan men.” “The apple of my eye, I promise you my allegiance, word of honour. If not, I may burn in the depths of hell. Please accept my love”. “I see you are in love with me. I'll probably agree to be nice to you, but I'm feeling a bit feverish right now. Have a little patience and then I will follow your wishes”. Phlai understood all too well what female "fever" was. Without waiting he kissed her and slipped his hand under her outerwear. They fell on the bed. He was young and had only recently been taught how to mount a horse. The mare, never ridden before, twisted and turned with full force. The rider mounted slowly and the horse calmed down. He was worried about falling during the ride. How awkward he was looking for the right pace. Too fast… he slowed down. The path was slippery. The rider was looking for the right way, but it was difficult to find a rhythm. Once underway, there was no limit to their energy. She followed the rhythm until they were drenched in sweat and he stepped away from her. Simala was overcome with passion and the two fell asleep together. At the crack of dawn they hugged and kissed. He had to make legs before someone caught them.
That morning Khun Phaen, Phlai Ngam, the governor and his wife had breakfast together. The governor said, "What a pity we don't have a son." Phaen chimes in, “I've been thinking for a while how I can thank you for everything you've done. What if I give my son to you?" The governor was delighted, “Fine, there is no reason to go through all the formalities first. Those two fit together perfectly. But be understanding with my daughter, she is just a country girl, not of such a level as city people. If my daughter does not bring satisfaction in the future, please do not disgrace her.” And so the two parties soon agreed to the marriage. Once back from Chiang Mai everything would be fine. Khun Phaen and Phlai Ngam said their goodbyes and headed north. They traveled through forest and jungle via Phitsanulok. On the way she passed all kinds of exotic animals and plants, beautiful. Two weeks later they approached Chiang Mai. The warriors made camp and father and son went exploring. “If we besiege the city, the king of Chiang Mai will certainly have the Siamese soldiers beheaded. We have to sneak in by disguising ourselves as a local Lao”. They scoured the trails and found a Laotian farmer and his son, “See that? That Lao already has one foot in the grave”. They drew their swords, beheaded the two Loatian peasants and put on their clothes.
Khun Phaen and Phlai Ngam capture the King of Chiang Mai
They entered the capital looking like two powerful Laotian men. Because of their clothing and use of mantras no one was suspicious, even in speech they sounded like real Loatians. Market women flirted with them and asked Phlai Wai, “Where are you from? Then I'll look for you tonight!". And an elderly lady, “Come and look at my wares, you may like what you see”, to which another said, “He has no interest in an old widow, he will run away soon! With your body you really mean nothing!”. The older woman shouted back “What do you young things know about it now? With our experience you have to watch out for us widows. We like a young lad raw! A few pulls on his string and he is in seventh heaven”. But Phaen and Phlai Ngam continued, “We are two forest dwellers and have never seen a Siamese. Where are they held captive? Then we can see them." A Laotian showed them the way, “In the prison near the stables”. Father and son approached the prison and waited until nightfall. Then they blew a mantra to put all the guards to sleep and open the locks. Thus she freed the Siamese soldiers. In revenge for their mistreatment, the Siamese behead the most sadistic guards and strip the rest of the guards of their clothing. On the way back, father, son and the soldiers also released the horses and elephants. Mounted on the horses and elephants, they all hurried back to camp.
When the King of Chiang Mai heard the news of the prison break, he was furious. He ordered an army of several thousand warriors to chase after the Siamese. However, Khun Phaen and his men were prepared for a good defense. No one could injure them with the help of mantras, so the Loatians were unable to inflict even a single scratch on the Siamese. They were chopped to pieces in droves and part of the Lao fled. Khung Phaen, mounted on an elephant, approached the enemy commander. This snapped at him, “Doesn't Ayutthaya have horses and elephants, so you come and steal these from us? You bandits, return what is ours and we will spare you.” Phaen defended himself, “Let the king release the princess he stole. The princess comes to the king of Ayutthaya. It is your king who is the bandit here!”. The Laotian commander was furious and a fight broke out. Phaen was the absolute master with his mantras and defeated the enemy with ease.
The king heard the news that his troops had been defeated and had the city gates closed. His queen prostrated herself at his feet and begged her husband, “Sire, by your grace but the enemy is here only because of Princess Soithong. Why should we keep her? People suffer needlessly”. He replied, “They have kicked me. If those measly Ayutthayans had respectfully asked for her in the right way, I would have done so. But now with this behavior? The theft of horses and elephants and the murder of our people. No, that is no longer an option. They have also left very abusive messages. Not even a monk could tolerate these things.” The Queen was shocked by her husband's stubborn behavior and informed their daughter, Princess Soifa, “The King is not listening, this will only bring tears. The city will be reduced to rubble and we will be enslaved by the Siamese. Fate has turned the king from the right path.”
Because Khun Phaen and his troops were not prepared for a long siege, only father and son set out to rescue Princess Soithong. With a mantra they made themselves invisible and thus entered the palace of Chiang Mai unseen. With their magic they put all the inhabitants into a deep sleep. Khun Phaen and Phlai Ngam walked through the most beautiful rooms. They entered a room with beautiful and lily-white young Laotian ladies, who had only recently come of age. They looked like heavenly angels in their silk robes, gold jewelry and beautiful firm breasts. Phlai Ngam ran his hand over their curves, but Khun Phaen snapped at him, “That's royal property, don't touch! And besides, if you give in to your lusts, it will diminish your magical powers. Come on, we have to move on”. They entered a very richly decorated bedroom, where they saw the queen and daughter lying on the bed. Phlai Ngam is mesmerized by her beauty and would love to couple up with her. He couldn't hold back and touched her. His father angrily hit him on the head, "That's a princess!".
They finally came to the King's bedroom. Phaen approached the king and raised his sword above him. He awakened the king, “You evil man! You stole the princess Soithong, the princess who belongs to Ayutthaya. You tortured Siamese soldiers in captivity. We have come to end your life. Do you consent to your death or do you repent?!”. With no weapon or other means of escape, the king surrendered, “I surrender. I misbehaved! Soithong hasn't been touched by me yet. If you spare my life, I will give myself, my wife, my daughter, the city and all its inhabitants to your king. I promise.". Phaen accepted the surrender.
Khun Phaen and Phlai Ngam return home
Within fifteen days the journey to Ayutthaya started. The king of Chiang Mai, his family, the princess Soithong, the royal concubines and all citizens of Chiang Mai as well as many gold and monetary treasures were taken to the southern capital. The spoils of war would go to the king of Ayutthaya. During the march south, the Siamese soldiers made sure that no one ran, sometimes the soldiers attacked the captured Laotian women. A woman on the run was caught. A soldier took off her clothes and looked at her naked body, "Damn, hair up to her ears!".
After a long journey, the procession arrived in Ayutthaya, where Khun Phaen and Phlai Ngam made their way to the palace. Waiting outside the audience hall, the king was informed, “Sire, Khun Phaen and Phlai Ngam have returned from the north with the ruler of Chiang Mai. They also bring 70 chests of gold and silver, 5000 Lao families, 1150 warriors, 200 cannons, 3000 guns, 1200 swords, nearly 500 elephants, 305 horses and 800 head of cattle and buffaloes. There have been no casualties among our troops. The ruler of Chiang Mai has been chained in full arm and foot chains as His Majesty has commanded.” The king of Ayutthaya was in jubilation and called them in. Khun Phaen was made governor of Kanburi and received lavish gifts. Phlai Ngam was given a new title, Phra Wai, and made lieutenant of the royal servants. He was also given a stately home near the palace. The defeated army commander who was liberated by Khun Phaen and Phrai Wai lost his rank as punishment and was demoted to gatekeeper.
Then the King of Chiang Mai was brought in. He prostrated at the feet of the king of Ayutthaya and feared for his life. The king scolded him but was willing to forgive him if the king of Chiang Mai would henceforth be loyal and serf to Ayutthaya. Then the princesses were brought in, "Princess Soithong is the one who is prostrating on the left, and Princess Soifia is prostrating on the right." The king took a good look at them, both were very attractive women but with different looks. He decided to take Princess Soithong as wife and gave Princess Soifia aand Phra Wai. A gift that could not be refused. Thus it was that Phra Wai had two wives, Simala and Princess Soifa.
Nothing seemed to stand in the way of the happiness and prosperity of Khun Phaen and Phra Wai. But what about Wanthong?
To be continued at the end of this epic…
¹ Phlai Ngam (พลายงาม, Phlaay Ngaam), 'beautiful male elephant'.
² Soithong (สร้อยทอง, Sôy Thong), 'Golden Necklace'
³ Simala (ศรีมาลา, sǐe-maa-laa), 'Glorious Garland of Flowers'
⁴ Soifa (สร้อยฟ้า, Sôy Fáa), 'Golden Heavenly Sky'
About this blogger
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Regular visitor to Thailand since 2008. Works in the accounting department of a Dutch wholesaler.
In his spare time he likes to go cycling, walking or reading a book. Mainly non-fiction, especially the history, politics, economy and society of the Netherlands, Thailand and countries in the region. Likes to listen to heavy metal and other noise
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