A Study of Philosophical Concepts in The King Ramkhamhaeng Inscription

Abstract

In this research articles, the researcher (1) examines philosophical concepts in the King Ramkhamhaeng Inscription, and (2) analyzes the levels of perception and understanding of philosophical concepts in the King Ramkhamhaeng Inscription. The sample group consisted of twenty-seven students enrolled in Thai Philosophy (PHI 4204) and who are interested in Thai Philosophy (PHI 4204) in the first and second sessions of the academic year 2019. The research instrument was a questionnaire. Quantitative data were analyzed using a statistical program. Qualitative data were analyzed using the technique of analytic induction.

          Findings are as follows.

          1) The philosophical concepts found in the King Ramkhamhaeng Inscription were the instruments to form the Thai nation by fostering identity, unity, independence, and sovereignty. It was liberation from the influence of Khom Sabat Khlon Lamphong completely through five aspects of philosophical concepts. (1) The aspect of principles of personal living: His proper behavior was a good model for members of the general public for living life. He had gratefulness and courage to protect the kingdom and was the Royal Patron of Buddhism. (2) The social aspect: In Sukhothai society, people were philanthropists who liked making merit and giving charity. They paid attention to Buddhist Lent, held on to solitude, and had faith in Phra Khaphung Phi. (3) The aspect of politics and government: It was found that there was an inheritance law. The judgment of disputes was conducted with fairness. Opportunities were provided for complaints to be made by hanging a bell in front of the palace gate. The government was in the form of “paternalism”. (4) The aspect of economy: The Sukhothai Kingdom had abundancy. The ruler did not collect taxes (duty) by having an emphasis on free trade. (5) The aspect of education: The King was found to be both a teacher and a ruler. He originated the Thai alphabets (Lai Sue Thai) and provided places for training and teaching.

          2) With regard to the analysis of the levels of perception and understanding of  the philosophical concepts in the King Ramkhamhaeng Inscription by the members of the sample population, it was found that the average score after the study was higher than the average score before the study of all aspects, as follows: (1) The aspect of general knowledge about the King Ramkhamhaeng Inscription: The pre-test average score of the sample group was 56.17 percent and the post-test was 72.22 percent.  (2) The aspect of principles for personal living: The pre-test average score of the sample group was 27.16 percent and the post-test was 69.14 percent. (3) The social aspect:  The pre-test average score of the sample group was 54.63 percent and the post-test was 79.63 percent. (4) The aspect of politics and government: The pre-test average score of the sample group was 67.90 percent, and the post-test was 88.89 percent. (5) The aspect of economy: The pre-test average score of  the sample group was 85.19 percent  and the post-test was 91.36 percent  and (6) The aspect of education: The pre-test average score of the sample group was 76.54 percent and the post-test was 81.48 percent.