King Ramkhamhaeng the Great (reigned around 1279–1298) was the third ruler of the kingdom of Sukhothai in present-day Thailand. He was the son of King Si Inthrathit and the younger brother of King Ban Mueang

He is best known for inventing the Thai alphabet in 1283, which is recorded in the famous Ramkhamhaeng inscription. Under his rule, Sukhothai expanded its territory and became a powerful and prosperous kingdom. He promoted free trade, improved agriculture through irrigation, and ruled according to the principle of “the father rules the children” so that the citizens could address him directly.

King Ramkhamhaeng also supported Buddhism, and made it the spiritual and cultural foundation of the kingdom.

Important achievements of King Ramkhamhaeng the Great

Creation of the Thai alphabet (1283) – Development of the first Thai writing system, as recorded in the Ramkhamhaeng inscription.

Enlargement of the Sukhothai kingdom – expansion of the territory to include large parts of present-day Thailand and neighbouring regions.

Promotion of free trade – Enabled merchants to trade freely, which boosted the economy.

Improved agriculture – Established irrigation systems to increase rice production and agricultural efficiency.

Fair and friendly governance – Introduced the “father rules children” style of governance, which allowed people to bring their concerns directly to the king.

Supporting Buddhism – Strengthening Buddhism as the main religion and cultural foundation of the kingdom.

End of King Ramkhamhaeng’s reign

King Ramkhamhaeng died around 1298 and after his death, the kingdom of Sukhothai gradually began to lose its power. His successors were less able to hold on to the vast territory he had built up. Neighbouring kingdoms, such as Ayutthaya, grew stronger, and in time Sukhothai became the strongest kingdom in the 15th century.