The Sukhothai Kingdom, founded during the mid-13th century, was one of the wealthiest kingdoms in ancient Thailand.
In Thailand's history, the Sukhothai Kingdom (1238 - 1438) is considered as a very significant kingdom, that centered around the Sukhothai city located in the northern region of the country. Recognized as "the first independent Thai kingdom", it emerged following the decline of the Khmer rule and went on to become one of the most powerful empires in not only Thailand, but also in the entire Asia. Now, let's just go through the history and discuss about some of the most visionary rulers from the great Sukhothai Kingdom.
Sri Indraditya: Sri Indraditya, originally named Pho Khun Bang Klang Hao, was primarily a chief of the Bang Yang territory in the western region of the Khmer Empire. He, with the help of Khun Pha Mueang, started a revolution against the Khmer Empire and founded the Phra Ruang Dynasty, Sukhothai Kingdom in 1238. He, being a man with great military skills, expanded the kingdom by conquering all the surrounding towns. Sri Indraditya (the name means "The Sun King with the Power of Indra") was highly revered among the Thai people due to his kind heart as well as immense bravery. He ruled the kingdom until 1270.
Ram Khamhaeng: Ram Khamhaeng, the third ruler of the Sukhothai Kingdom, is widely regarded as one of the most prolific leaders ever lived in Thailand. During his reign (1278-1298), the kingdom got expanded to the Lampang, Nan and Phrae in the north, Nakhon Si Thammarat Kingdom in the south, Phitsanulok and Vientiane in the east, Mon kingdoms (present-day Myanmar) in the west. Apart from military forces, he also used diplomacy to occupy various other lands. Also, he developed a triple alliance with Ngam Muang of Phayao and Mangrai of Chiang Rai. He introduced several principles that helped the kingdom grow in art, agriculture and economy. The king is also credited for promoting the teachings of Theravada Buddhism across the country.
Maha Thammaracha I: Maha Thammaracha I, the grandson of Ram Khamhaeng the Great, ruled the Sukhothai Kingdom from around 1347 to 1368. Born as Li Thai, he initially worked as the Upparat (viceroy) at the Si Satchanalai during the reign of his father Loe Thai. The king was not very interested in military works, rather he devoted himself into the practice of Buddhism. In fact, he was the first Buddhist philosopher to write in the Thai language. He wrote the text 'Traiphum Phra Ruang' describing several aspects of the Buddhist cosmology. Also, he constructed a number of Buddhist temples such as Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat.
The Sukhothai Historical Park, located at a near distance from the modern city of Sukhothai, offers an insight into the glorious history of the Kingdom.
