Sukhothai Kingdom History

Before the Sukhothai Kingdom was founded in 1238, much of present day Thailand was under control of the Khmer empire. The Sukhothai area was one of its Western outposts.

Remnants of Khmer presence can still be seen today. The earthen ramparts and ancient city walls of Chaliang in Si Satchanalai predate the Sukhothai era.

Founding of the Sukhothai Kingdom

Around the year 1238 Pho Khun Sri Indraditya became the first King of Sukhothai, when he drove out the Khmer and founded the Sukhothai Kingdom.

The Kingdom reached the peak of its power during the reign of King Ramkhamhaeng the Great who expanded the empire during his rule from 1278 until 1298. The Kingdom included most of present day Thailand, its influence reached as far as parts of Laos to the North and parts of Malaysia to the South.

A wealth of knowledge about the King and his reign is gained from an inscribed stone stele discovered at the Wat Mahathat temple in Sukhothai Historical Park. The nearby King Ramkhamhaeng National Monument honors the great King.

Unification with Ayutthaya

Towards the end of the 14^th century the power of the Sukhothai Kingdom began to fade and the town came under the control of the Ayutthaya Kingdom. In the mid 15^th century Sukhothai was unified with Ayutthaya. After the fall of Ayutthaya in 1767 Sukhothai was deserted and forgotten.

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Rediscovery and restoration

Sukhothai was rediscovered by Mongkut, the future King Rama IV who before ascending the throne traveled the Kingdom as a monk. At the time the city was overgrown with thick jungle vegetation. Mongkut discovered the Ramkhamhaeng stele, which is now on display in the National Museum in Bangkok. Other inscribed steles have been discovered, that have provided historians with valuable knowledge about the Kingdom.

In the 1960’s the Thai Fine Arts Department started restoration works in the Historical Park, that was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991.

Vassal towns of Sukhothai

There were two important vassal towns in the Sukhothai Kingdom. Both Si Satchanalai to the North of the capital and Kamphaeng Phet to the South played an important role in the empire.

Si Satchanalai

The town of Si Satchanalai, located about 70 kilometers North of old Sukhothai was a Khmer outpost until halfway the 13^th century. Parts of the Chaliang area defensive system built by the Khmer can still be seen today. The area’s oldest ruins like the Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat temple with its large Khmer style prang were built before the founding of the Sukhothai empire.

During the Sukhothai era the town acted as a second capital of the Kingdom. Around mid 15^th century when Ayutthaya took over power from Sukhothai, Si Satchanalai was renamed to Sawankhalok and the town lost its importance. After the sacking of Ayutthaya in 1767, Si Satchanalai was deserted.

Kamphaeng Phet

The town of Kamphaeng Phet about 75 kilometers South of old Sukhothai played a military role in the Sukhothai Kingdom. It served as a garrison town or “wang” to protect the capital Sukhothai from invasion from the West. The town was situated in a strategically important location. It was well protected with moats, city walls, fortresses and watch towers. The town’s name translates to “wall of diamonds”.

During the reign of King Luethai the town was moved to the East of the river and its name changed to Cha Kang Rao. After Sukhothai had become part of the Ayutthaya Kingdom, Kamphaeng Phet served as a garrison town to protect its capital Ayutthaya.

• Wat Mahathat
• Wat Si Sawai
• Wat Sa Si
• Wat Sorasak
• Wat Tra Phang Ngoen
• Wat Si Chum
• Wat Chetuphon
• Wat Phra Phai Luang
• Wat Saphan Hin

• Central zone
• North zone
• East zone
• South zone
• West zone

• Temples
• History Sukhothai
• Sukhothai style Buddha images

• Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park
• Si Satchanalai Historical Park