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Sukhothai Era

The Sukhothai Era

By the 13th century, the Thais had begun to emerge as a dominant force in the region, slowly absorbing the weakened empires of the Mons and Khmers. By 1238, the first Thai kingdom, Sukhothai - called by its ruler "the dawn of happiness" - has been established. It is often considered the golden era of Thai history, an ideal Thai state in a land of plenty governed by paternal and benevolent kings, the most famous of whom was King Ramkamhaeng the Great.

Ramkamhaeng was noted as an administrator, legislator and statesman. He is credited with the invention of the Thai script. The Sukhothai period saw the Thais, for the first time, developing a distinctive civilisation with their own administrative institutions, art and architecture. Sukhothai Buddha images, characterised by refined facial features, lineal fluidity, and harmony of form, are considered to be the most beautiful and the most original of Thai artistic expression.

In 1350, the mightier state of Ayutthaya exerted its influence over gentile Sukhothai, and from a former vassal state, it usurped all administrative power, leaving Sukhothai a deserted kingdom.