ABSTRACT
The novel in Thailand is nearly 100 years old. Alongside the short story, it is the most readily accessible and most popular literary genre. For decades, however, the majority of Thais have compared their novels unfavourably with foreign novels; indeed, even today to boast ‘I never read Thai novels’ is accepted in some circles as a sign of discerning taste. Slowly, however, mainstream attitudes are beginning to change; the novel has crept into the educational curriculum, prestigious prizes and accolades are being awarded and writers are being feted in the media. Such changes presuppose some consensus of opinion about important writers and major works. This paper looks at some of the main works that have played a part in shaping this consensus and mapping a part of the canon of modern Thai literature.
