A Synthesis of the Fifth Tale, “Animals Petitioning King Nawasawan,” from Iran Ratchatham through the Perspective of Thai Astrologers

Abstract

This academic article examines the fifth tale, “Animals Petitioning King Nawasawan,” from Iran Ratchatham Sip Song Rueang through the symbolic interpretive framework of Thai astrology in order to explain the meanings embedded in its characters, events, and mechanisms of governance. The tale is valuable not only as didactic literature, but also as a reflection of the ideal righteous ruler, the just exercise of authority, and the opening of direct access to justice for the distressed through the “complaint bell,” which functions as an important symbol of political accountability.

From the perspective of Thai astrology, the tale’s elements can be interpreted as a symbolic system associated with the attributes of planets and houses, including compassion, justice, courage, regulation, and the relational positions of rulers and the ruled. The hawk, the sparrow, the mule, the old woman, Salimontri, and King Nawasawan therefore serve not merely as narrative agents, but also as symbolic figures that reveal deeper ethical, political, and interpretive layers within the text.

A major insight emerging from this synthesis is that the tale presents a concept of justice extending to both humans and animals, thereby foregrounding an ethical model of leadership grounded in compassion and responsibility rather than in the mere possession of power. Read in this way, the fifth tale of Iran Ratchatham becomes a source of knowledge on symbolic governance and Thai astrological interpretation, showing how an ancient literary text can retain contemporary relevance and contribute to a deeper understanding of leadership and society.