Sukhothai Kingdom
 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.
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