The historic city of Sukhothai, located in northern Thailand, is considered the birthplace of Thai civilization. As the first capital of the Kingdom of Siam in the 13th century, Sukhothai represents a flourishing period of Thai art, religion, and politics. Today, the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular destination for history and culture enthusiasts.

The rise of Sukhothai

Sukhothai was founded around 1238 when local leaders broke away from Khmer rule. Under the leadership of King Ramkhamhaeng, the kingdom grew rapidly into a powerful state. This king introduced the Thai alphabet, promoted Buddhism as the state religion, and had numerous temples built, laying the cultural basis for later Thailand.

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