• 동남아시아연구
• /
• 제21권1호
• /
• pp.287-314
• /
• 2011

There are many versions of the thai folktale "Pla Boo Thong" in Thailand, which is a typical type of stepmother story and in many ways resembles Cinderella story. This study, the author took 6 versions, some from books, some from internet. The main story of those 6 version is consist of the death of mother, stepmother and step sister, the maltreat of the stepmother to the heroine, tiding over the critical moments with the help of the dead mother and others, getting married with the king and happy of the heroine, death of the heroine by the slander of stepmother, posing as a queen of the stepsister, reincarnation of the dead heroine, meeting with the king again, and punishment and the stepmother and stepsister. The main theme of this narrative is a conflict in the polygamic family and is followed by the pattern of the Cinderella tale such as the distinct contrast of Good and Evil. This tale also teaches teachings of Buddha such as the punitive justice, the promotion of virtue and reproval of vice, and forgiveness. And otherwise it gives the people the courage and hope to overcome fortitude in their life.