Sukhothai

Sukhothai is a historic city in north-central Thailand, known as the capital of the Sukhothai Kingdom (approximately 1238 to 1438) and today the site of the Sukhothai Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is located in Sukhothai Province, between the Ping and Yom rivers.

The Sukhothai Kingdom emerged in the 13th century as a Thai state that asserted independence from surrounding powers. The capital was established at Sukhothai, and its rulers promoted Theravada Buddhism and early Thai culture. King Ramkhamhaeng the Great, traditionally dated to the late 13th and early 14th centuries, is often credited with expanding the kingdom and developing the Thai script, which later spread throughout the region. The kingdom declined due to internal strife and external pressure from Ayutthaya, which absorbed Sukhothai by around 1438.

The historical monuments at Sukhothai include Wat Mahathat, Wat Si Chum, and remnants of city walls and moats that illustrate early Thai urban planning and temple architecture. The Ramkhamhaeng inscription, found near the city, is a significant source on early Thai language and society and is associated with Ramkhamhaeng’s reign.

In 1991, the Sukhothai Historical Park was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its cultural significance and its representation of early Thai civilization. In the present day, the modern town of Sukhothai serves as the capital of Sukhothai Province and functions as a gateway for visitors to the historical park. The name Sukhothai means “dawn of happiness.”