This thesis aims to analyze literary works praising kings in different periods. In studying the poems, both published texts and unpublished manuscripts, the author considers the main features of the forms, the language and the conception of the kingship as well as assessing the value of these poems and discussing the relationship of the poems to history. It was found that eulogies for kings are a kind of literary works that glorify kings’ virtures. The first Thai eulogy for kings was written in Ayudhaya period about 2017-2058 B.E. This kind of works has been found from time to time until now. The structure of Thai eulogies for kings can be analyzed into 3 parts: an introductory section in which the poets express their respect to superior beings, a main body, and a conclusion. The main body is considered to be the most important part because in this part the kings’ virtures were proclaimed. That is, the kings’ qualifications, their activities and their peaceful kingdom were described in this part of the eulogy. Usually the kings were described as good Buddhist kings who ruled the kingdom on the principles of Dhamma. The artificial language is used in the poems to make the image of the king more impressive. The development of this type of poetry is in terms of form, content and ideas about kingship. This type of work also indicates the relationship between the poems and history. Besides the value in literature, the eulogies for kings have the value in history and sociology as well.
