OVER two hundred years ago, on June 26, 1786, the wife of a 0 humble Rayong divine then living in Bangkok gave birth to a baby boy. In due course, the little boy was given the name of Phu. When he grew up, his genius as a poet was quickly recognized, and he won the esteem of kings and commoners alike. Finally, after many vicissitudes in the course of a colorful career, he attained the distinction of Poet Laureate and was created Phra Sunthorn Voharn. Today, 130 years after his death, Sunthorn Phu is accepted as one of the greatest poets Thailand ever produced, and he holds his place among the leading poets of the world.