Kingdom of Sukhothai
(Text by Duane R. Hurst © 2013)
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SUKHOTHAI LINKS: Significant Event: History of North Thailand Main Cities: Luang Prabang; Sukhothai Time: 1250-1700 AD Language: Lao; Thai Personage: Ramkhamhaeng; Sri Indraditya Religion: Buddhism Related Country: Laos; Thailand Brief History: I have included only a few items concerning the history of this kingdom. A good source for more details can be found on Wikipedia or in history books. Also posted is my translation from Thai language: "History of North Thailand," which contains several references to actions between Sukhothai and Lanna. EARLY YEARS: Prior to 1180 AD Sri Naw Namthom gained much autonomy from the Khmer Empire, but in that year Khomsabad Khlonlampong seized Sukhothai for the Mon. Two brothers, Bangklanghao and Phameung, broke free of the Mon in 1239 AD and Bangklanghao founded the Phra Ruang Dynasty as Sri Indraditya. He conquered the upper Chao Phraya River before his death in 1257 AD. |
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KING RAMKHAMHAENG:
Ramkhamhaeng and his brother, Ban Muang, continued to expand Sukhothai's territory. As king, Ramkhamhaeng subjugated the kingdoms of Muang Sua (Luang Prabang), Phrae on the Yom River, Sri Thamnakorn (Tambralinga) and Supannabhum. He also helped a Mon king named Wareru to be free of Pagan and found a kingdom at Martaban (modern Mottama) in Burma. Ramkhamhaeng invited Buddhist monks to spread Theravada Buddhism throughout Sukhothai. He also was credited with designing the current Thai alphabet in 1283 AD. During his reign, a delegation and trade missions visited the Yuan Dynasty of China. Thai artisans made Sangkalok pottery (similar to that of the Chinese Song Dynasty). Sukhothai later was acknowledged as a refuge for escaped slaves from other regional kingdoms. DECLINE: After Ramkhamhaeng's death, various provinces and city-states declared independence from King Loethai, including Suphan Buri and Tak. In 1378 AD the kingdom of Ayutthaya conquered Sukhothai. King Luethai moved Sukhothai's capital to Phitsanulok. King Ramesuan of Ayutthaya (aka Trailokanat) formally united both kingdoms in 1448 AD. |
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© Page Publisher: Duane R. Hurst
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