History of Thailand - Sukhothai Kingdom (13th - 15th centuries)

Sukhothai Kingdom (13th - 15th centuries)

Sukhothai, (13th - 15th centuries), literally the 'dawn of happiness', is considered by most Thai historians to be the first true Thai kingdom, the golden era of Thai history governed by just paternal kings who ruled over peaceful contented citizens. During this period, the greatest monarch, King Ramkamhaeng, devised the first Thai written alphabet, which became the basis for the modern Thai language and literature.

The kingdom also marked a period of great Thai cultural development. During that time, the Thai kingdom absorbed elements of various civilizations, which came into its influence. The Indian civilization in particular, had the greatest impact in providing the basic mould for the region's culture, its artistic development and its social and religious patterns. Visitors can still admire evidence of this great civilization at the Sukhothai Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and also at Sri Satchanalai historical park in Khamphaeng Phet province.

Established over several centuries, the Sukhothai kingdom eventually collapsed, giving way to the rising star of Ayutthaya. The decline of Sukhothai lasted from the mid-14th century until the 15th century. In 1378, the Ayutthaya king, Boromracha I subdued Sukhothai's frontier city of Chakangrao (present-day Kamphaeng Phet), making Sukhothai a satellite state of Ayutthaya. Sukhothai later attempted to break loose from Ayutthaya but with no real success, until in the 15th century, it was finally incorporated into the Ayutthaya kingdom as a province.