Kalaket
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Kalaket is a folktale widely spread in the Isan region of Thailand, as well as in Laos. It is often claimed to be part of the Paññāsa Jātaka, which is a non-canonical Jataka collection.
Phra Chao Khun Ariyanuwat, former abbot of Wat Mahachai in Maha Sarakham Province, edited the story of Kalaket from a palm-leaf manuscript in Tai Noi script obtained from Wat Sawang Arom, Mueang Roi Et District, Roi Et Province.[1] It was published in 1976 by Siritham Printing House, Mueang Ubon Ratchathani District, Ubon Ratchathani Province, with a length of 480 pages.[2] At the end of this edition, it is stated that the work was composed by Somdet Ku in the city of Si Satthanakhanahut (Luang Prabang) during the reign of King Chao Chieng Thong, in Chulasakarat 1100 (1738 CE), which corresponds to the reign of King Siribounyasan.
This literary work also appears as a lullaby from the Ayutthaya period, a lakhon nok play of the central region, and in the southern region as a lullaby under the name *Ka Ket*. It has also been adapted into stage plays and films during the reign of Bhumibol Adulyadej.[3]