is also divided into several types according to their manner of composition, with klon suphap (, ) being the basic form. The following plan shows the structure of klon suphap (two stanzas) in the most common eight-syllable variety, which was employed extensively by Sunthorn Phu, and is the most common form of the Rattanakosin period. The letters in parentheses represent alternative rhyming syllables. In practice, occasional wak with seven or nine syllables are also acceptable. Example Transcription: Rai The rai (, ) is probably the oldest Thai poetic form and was used in laws and chronicles. It is also the simplest. It consists of a continuing series of wak of unspecified number, usually with five syllables each, and with rhymes from the last syllable of a wak to the first, second or third of the next. Some variations don't specify the number of syllables per wak and are actually a form of rhymed prose. A composition consisting of rai alternating with (and ending with) khlong is known as lilit (, ), and suggests that the khlong developed from the rai. The following is the form of rai known as rai boran (, ). OOOA A(A)(A)OB B(B)(B)OC C(C)(C)OD D(D)(D)OE E(E)(E)OO ... Example Reading When read aloud, Thai poetry may be read conventionally, or in a melodic fashion known as thamnong sano (, , lit. pleasing melody). Thamnong sano has many melodic styles, and there are also other specific styles used for certain performances, such as sepha. Thamnong sano reading is often featured in student competitions, along with other forms of language-related performances. Notes References Poetry Poetry by country Poetic forms