Background

Since its establishment, The Oriental, Bangkok has always had an affinity with famous writers from around the world. During its history, great authors have either stayed in or visited the hotel. This affinity with the literary world is best exemplified in the Authors' Residence which houses suites named after Joseph Conrad, Somerset Maugham, Noel Coward and James Michener. Moreover, suites in the River Wing have also been named after various authors such as Graham Greene, John le Carré and Barbara Cartland, to name a few.

As a tribute to this literary tradition, the S.E.A. Write Awards was originated in early 1979 to encourage writers in the ASEAN countries and to bring recognition to the creative literary talents of the region.

The idea emerged from discussions amongst the management of The Oriental, Bangkok, Thai Airways International Public Co., Ltd., and the Italthai Group of Companies. H.H. Prince Prem Purachatra was elected as the Chairperson of the Organising Committee.

In addition, the Organising Committee also received support from the PEN International Thailand-Centre as well as from the Writers' Association of Thailand. Later on the Jim Thompson Foundation, Bangkok Bank Public Co., Ltd. and Carlsberg Brewery (Thailand) Co., Ltd., all joined the Organising Committee.