Ramkhamhaeng

c. 1237 – 1298

Ramkhamhaeng (c. 1237/1247 - 1298) was the third king of the Sukhothai Kingdom, reigning from around 1279 until his death. Under his rule Sukhothai expanded its influence widely across what is now Thailand, and tradition credits him with creating the Thai script described in the famous Ramkhamhaeng inscription. He also fostered Theravada Buddhism and relations with Yuan China.

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Well-documented people whose lives overlapped with Ramkhamhaeng.

Life events

Born a son of King Si Inthrathit of Sukhothai
c. 1237

Ramkhamhaeng was the third son of Si Inthrathit, founder of the Sukhothai Kingdom, and Queen Sueang; his birth year is variously placed around 1237-1247.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Earned the name Phra Ram Khamhaeng for valor in battle at age nineteen
c. 1256

According to the Ramkhamhaeng inscription, he defeated the enemy leader Khun Sam Chon in single combat on elephant-back, winning the epithet 'Rama the Bold'.

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Succeeded his brother Ban Mueang as king of Sukhothai
c. 1279

Ramkhamhaeng came to the throne around 1279 after the death of his elder brother.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Traditionally credited with creating the Thai script
c. 1283

The Ramkhamhaeng inscription states that he devised the Thai alphabet in 1283, a claim that remains debated among scholars.

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Expanded Sukhothai's influence over much of mainland Southeast Asia
c. 1285

Through conquest and vassalage his overlordship reportedly extended toward the Malay Peninsula, the Chao Phraya basin, and lands to the west and east.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Formed alliances with the rulers of Lan Na and Phayao
c. 1287

Ramkhamhaeng maintained a celebrated friendship pact with King Mangrai of Lan Na and King Ngam Mueang of Phayao, stabilizing the Tai states of the north.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Erected the Ramkhamhaeng inscription describing his realm
1292

The stone inscription dated 1292 portrays Sukhothai as a prosperous, just kingdom; its authenticity has been the subject of scholarly controversy.

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Maintained tributary relations with Yuan-dynasty China
c. 1294

Sukhothai sent missions to the Yuan court during his reign, and Chinese potters are traditionally said to have helped establish the Sangkhalok ceramic industry.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Died, succeeded by his son Loe Thai
1298

Ramkhamhaeng died in 1298 (some chronicles suggest a slightly different date), after which Sukhothai's vassals began to break away.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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