Kathiresan Ramachanderam

Maha Thammaracha IV, born as Borommapan, was the last king of the Sukhothai Kingdom, marking the end of an era in Thai history. His reign came at a tumultuous time for the kingdom, as internal strife and external pressures from neighboring powers threatened the stability and the independence of the kingdom. The story of Maha Thammaracha IV’s ascension to the throne is one of conflict and intervention. In 1419, following the death of King Sai Lue Thai, a succession crisis erupted between his sons, Phaya Ram and Phaya Ban Mueang. The two brothers, each claiming their right to rule, plunged the kingdom into a state of civil unrest. This internal struggle caught the attention of Intharacha, the ambitious ruler of the rising Ayutthaya Kingdom to the south. Seeing an opportunity to expand his influence, Intharacha intervened in the Sukhothai succession dispute. Rather than supporting one claimant over the other, he devised a solution that would ultimately benefit Ayutthaya. Intharacha d...

Maha Thammaracha III, born as Sai Luthai, was a prominent ruler of the Sukhothai Kingdom, whose reign left an indelible mark on the history of ancient Thailand. As the son of Maha Thammaracha II and a descendant of the legendary King Ram Khamhaeng the Great, Sai Luthai’s life and reign are somewhat shrouded in secrecy, with much of our knowledge derived from stone inscriptions commissioned by his mother. The queen mother, who held significant influence during her son’s reign, referred to herself by various impressive titles in these inscriptions. In the Asokārāma stone inscription, she was known as “Saṃtec Braḥ Rājadebī Srī Cuḷālakṣana Arrgarājamahesī Debadhòranī Tilakaratana”, while in stone inscription 46, she was called “Saṃtec Braḥ Rājajananī Srī Dharmarājamātā Mahātilakaraṭana Rājanārtha”. These grandiose titles reflect her importance and is in indication of the power she wielded within the royal court. Sai Luthai’s lineage was deeply intertwined with the ruling dynasty of Su...

Maha Thammaracha II, also known as Lue Thai, was a prominent ruler of the Sukhothai Kingdom who reigned from approximately 1358 to 1399. As the son of Le Thai, he ascended to the throne following his father’s death, and became one of the most influential monarchs in Sukhothai’s history. His reign was characterized by a profound commitment to Buddhism, which was reflected in his royal title “Thammaracha”, meaning “Great Dharmic King”. Lue Thai’s dedication to Buddhism was not merely a matter of personal faith but a cornerstone of his reign. He actively sought to promote and spread Buddhist teachings throughout his kingdom and beyond. Recognizing the importance of spiritual leadership, he sent priests to neighboring states to disseminate Buddhist doctrines and practices. This initiative not only expanded the reach of Buddhism but also strengthened diplomatic ties with other kingdoms. In addition to sending emissaries abroad, Maha Thammaracha II also invited foreign Buddhist leaders ...

Maha Thammaracha I, also known as Li Thai, was a prominent figure in the history of the Sukhothai Kingdom, reigning as king from approximately 1347 until his death in 1368. Born into royalty, he was the son of King Loe Thai and the grandson of the renowned Ram Khamhaeng the Great. Li Thai’s ascension to the throne is shrouded in some uncertainty, with popular tradition naming him as the fourth king of Sukhothai. However, dynastic records suggest a more complex succession, indicating that at least one other ruler, Ngua Nam Thum, may have reigned between Li Thai and his father. Additionally, a regent named Phaya Sai Songkhram is believed to have governed during Loe Thai’s absence following the death of Ram Khamhaeng. Before assuming the throne, Li Thai served as Upparat, or viceroy, during his father’s reign. He governed from the city of Si Satchanalai, which was a significant urban center in the early Sukhothai Kingdom. This experience likely prepared him for his future role as king ...

Jayavarman III, also known as Vishnuloka, is the second Devaraja or the second god-king in the Angkorian line. He remains one of the more mysterious figures in the annals of Khmer history. There is no doubt that he succeeded his father, Jayavarman II, as the second ruler of Angkor, but he left behind a legacy shrouded in mystery. Very little is known about this enigmatic king, whose reign is often overshadowed by the more illustrious rulers who came before and after him. The scarcity of historical records from Jayavarman III’s rule has left historians grappling with fragments of information, piecing together a narrative that is more conjecture than fact. What we do know comes primarily from inscriptions and archaeological evidence, that offer tantalizing glimpses into his life and reign. One of the few concrete details we have about Jayavarman III’s lineage comes from a later king, Yasovarman I, who claimed a familial connection to the royal line. According to Yasovarman’s asserti...

King Ramkhamhaeng the Great is a central figure in Thai history, revered as one of the most influential monarchs to grace the Sukhothai throne. Ruling from 1279 to 1298, he presided over what is widely considered the golden age of this ancient Thai state. Ramkhamhaeng’s reign was marked by remarkable achievements that continue to shape Thai culture and society to this day. As the third king of Sukhothai, Ramkhamhaeng inherited a kingdom on the rise and transformed it into a regional powerhouse. His reign saw the expansion of Sukhothai’s borders to their greatest extent, encompassing much of modern-day Thailand and beyond. This territorial growth was accompanied by significant advancements in governance, culture, and commerce that would leave an indelible mark on Thai civilization. Ramkhamhaeng’s most enduring legacy is his role in the development of the Thai language and script. Recognizing the need for a unified writing system to facilitate administration and cultural expression, he ...

Si Inthrathit, originally known as Bang Klang Hao, is an important figure in Thai history. He served as the first king of the Sukhothai Kingdom in what is now modern-day Thailand. His reign, which lasted from 1238 to approximately 1270 CE, marked the beginning of a new era in Siamese history and laid the foundations for the development of Thai culture and society as we know it today. Born at a time of political turmoil and foreign domination, Si Inthrathit emerged as a charismatic leader who would change the course of his people’s destiny. The region that would become Sukhothai was then under the control of the powerful Khmer Empire, which had dominated much of Thailand for centuries. However, the Khmer grip on power was beginning to slip, and the Thai people were growing increasingly restless under foreign rule. Seizing the opportunity, Si Inthrathit led a successful revolt against the Khmer overlords, uniting several Thai polities in the process. His military prowess and diploma...