Sukhothai "the dawn of happiness" was
the first independent Thai kingdom. Founded in 1238 by two Thai chieftains.
They ushered in times of peace and prosperity and this is considered the
golden age of Thai history. By the late 14th century Sukhothai was in decline
and eventually, due to the rise of religion over military power was
superseded
by Ayuthaya
The greatest of the 20 wats in
Sukhothai, founded by the first king of the Sukhothai dynasty and remodelled
some hundred years later
Around the base of the main tower is an
unusual stucco frieze of walking monks
Riding around this capital of
ancient Siam we rounded a corner and came face to face with the Thai
army
