Sukhothai

Early Buddhist Thai state in northern Thailand founded in the 13th century, independent of the declining Khmer empire of Angkor. Its core towns were Sukhothai and Si Satchanalai. Under its greatest king Ram Khamhaeng (c 1275-1317), the power of Sukhothai expanded over vast areas of the Indochinese and even the Malay Peninsula. In the 15th century, the center of Thai power shifted south to Ayuthya and Sukhothai ceased to exist as an independent kingdom. It is also known for its glazed stoneware vessels, of the same name, widely exported. The pottery had underglaze decoration in black / brown on a cream slip.

An ancient city in northern Thailand which in the 13th century became the nucleus of a newly emerging Buddhist Thai state, independent of the declining Khmer empire of Angkor. Under its greatest king Rama Khamhaeng (cl275- cl 317), who is also regarded as a sort of culture hero of the Thais, the power of Sukhothai expanded over vast areas of the Indochinese and even the Malay Peninsulas. In the mid-14th century the centre of Thai power shifted south to Ayutthaya and Sukhothai ceased to exist as an independent kingdom. It is also known for its ceramic ware, widely exported throughout the region. As cradle of Thai civilization, the site is being organized as a major tourist attraction. See also Sawankhalok.