His poetic works were honored by UNESCO.
He began the epic poem, Phra Aphai Mani in prison, and published it in installments over the next 20 years. The epic tale follows the title character, Prince Aphai Mani, a Byronic hero, in his romantic adventures throughout ancient Thailand.
Sunthorn's nine Nirats, which record his associations between memories and sites he visited, are also popular.
He was out of favor during the reign of Rama III (1824–1851), whose writings he had once criticized. At one point he was driven by poverty to become a monk.