Phu Dee : The Noble Within

Phu Dee (ผู้ดี) : The Noble Within, authored by Dokmai Sod (ดอกไม้สด), the pseudonym of M.L. Bubpha Nimmanhaeminda. The novel was written in 1937 (2480 B.E.) during an era marked by profound social transformation and shifting class structures in Thai society.

The work was created to offer the authentic meaning of the term Phu Dee, challenging the contemporary view that defined the term solely by wealth, high social status, or high birth. Instead, Dokmai Sod posits that a true Phu Dee is defined by their conduct, demeanor, and character. This includes exhibiting good behavior in body, speech, and mind, maintaining one's honor, practicing patience and self-control, and showing compassion (metta-dhamma) to others. A true Phu Dee is also described as one who knows how to sacrifice, is not greedy (makk dai), and is capable of forgiveness.

The narrative follows Wimol (วิมล), the daughter of Phraya Amonrat, who must face a test of her true character when her father dies and leaves behind little wealth. The novel is recognized for its didactic quality, with the author often regarded as a "preacher outside the pulpit" (nak thet nok thammard) for prominently featuring moral teachings and the concept that virtue triumphs over evil. The Ministry of Education has selected Phu Dee as supplementary reading material for secondary students.

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This audiobook performance was created and narrated by Thanthita Lerttaraseth. The underlying literary work is in the public domain.