Teeranun Chuangpichit
M.A. (Anthropology), Silpakorn University
This article focuses on culinary recipes of the Thai Shi’ite Muslims, known to Thai people as Khaek Chao Sen, whose ancestors were the Persians. The Shi’ite Muslim came to Thailand in the reign of King Naresuan, Ayutthaya Era (circa B.E. 2143 or C.E. 1600). The Shi’ite Muslim played important roles in Thailand in terms of economy, politics, society, culture, and the traditions of the Siamese court. The influences of the Shi’ite Muslims were remarkably revealed in the reign of King Prasartthong and have lasted throughout Siamese history from the Thonburi Era to the Rattanakosin Era.
Gastronomies of Khaek Chao Sen’s recipe were mentioned in the Royal Barge Chant-Appreciation for Food & Desserts, composed by His Majesty King Rama II or King Phra Buddhalertlahnabhalai. The recipe of Khaek Chao Sen is considered to be an aspect of Khaek Chao Sen’s identity, revealing the existence of this group of people within Thai society.
(Presented in the International Conference – Thai Food Heritage: Local to Global, 4-6 August 2009, Tawana Bangkok Hotel, Bangkok, organized by The Project of Empowering Network for International Thai Studies (ENITS), Institute of Thai Studies, Chulalongkorn University with support from the Thailand Research Fund (TRF))