King Naresuan Facts for Kids

Statue: King Naresuan in an elephant fight

King Naresuan the Great (also known as "Phra-Ong-Dam" or "Naret") was a very important king of Thailand long ago. He was born in 1555 in a place called Phitsanulok. His father was King Mahathammaracha, and his mother was Queen Wisutkhasat. He had an older sister, Princess Suphan Kanlaya, and a younger brother, King Ekathotsarot.

When Naresuan was just 9 years old, the Burmese King Bayinnong attacked and took over Ayutthaya, which was the capital city. King Bayinnong then took young Naresuan to live with him as an adopted child in Burma. When Naresuan turned 16, his father, King Mahathammaracha, wanted him back. So, Naresuan returned to be a viceroy (like a governor) of Phitsanulok. His sister, Princess Suphan Kanlaya, went to Burma instead.

Becoming a Leader: King Naresuan's Early Life
- First Battles and Responsibilities
- Declaring Independence
King Naresuan's Reign and Great Victories
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Becoming a Leader: King Naresuan's Early Life

King Naresuan started showing his leadership skills from a young age. He was involved in several important events before he became king.

First Battles and Responsibilities

1570: Naresuan fought against troops from Cambodia (Khmer) and won. This was an early sign of his military talent.
1571: At the age of 16, he was made the governor of Phitsanulok. This was a big responsibility for a young person.
1574: He went to fight in Viengjan, but he got sick with smallpox. Because of his illness, he had to return to Phitsanulok.
1578: He helped to drive out an enemy leader named Phaya Jeen Jan Tu from Ayutthaya.

Declaring Independence

1584: King Naresuan made a very important declaration. He announced that Ayutthaya was now free from Burmese control. This happened in Krang province.
1584-1587: After this declaration, Burma sent armies to attack Thailand several times. However, King Naresuan and his forces successfully defended their land each time.

King Naresuan's Reign and Great Victories

King Naresuan became the ruler of Ayutthaya when he was 35 years old. His time as king was marked by many important battles and victories that shaped the history of Thailand.

Becoming King

1590: King Naresuan officially became the King of Ayutthaya. He was 35 years old when he took the throne.

The Famous Elephant Battle

1592: One of his most famous battles was against a Burmese prince named Mang Ka Yoe Cha Wa. This battle is known as the "Yuthahatthi," which means an elephant duel. King Naresuan fought bravely on his elephant and won this important fight. This victory is a huge part of Thai history.

Later Conflicts and His Passing

1595 and 1598: King Naresuan continued to fight against Hong Sa Wa Dee, another name for the Burmese kingdom. He worked hard to protect his country.
1605: King Naresuan died at the age of 50 in a place called Tung Keaw, Hang Luang. He is remembered as one of Thailand's greatest kings.

Images for kids

Royal statue of King Naresuan at Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya.
The elephant battle between Naresuan (right) and Mingyi Swa (left) during the Battle of Nong Sarai, as depicted on the seal of Suphan Buri Province.
Elephant battle between Naresuan and Mingyi Swa as wall murals in Phra Ubosot, Wat Suwan Dararam, Ayutthaya, Thailand.
Don Chedi Monument at Suphan Buri, built to remember King Naresuan's victory.
King Naresuan entered Bago near Shwemawdaw Pagoda, mural from Wat Suwan Dararam, Ayutthaya, Thailand.
Royal funeral ceremony of King Naresuan, mural from Wat Suwan Dararam, Ayutthaya, Thailand.
The statue of "The Great Battle of Yuthahatthi" in Mueang Boran, Samut Prakan Province.
King Naresuan Monument at Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters.
The film The Legend of King Naresuan poster.