Uthong facts for kids

Quick facts for kids King Ramathibodi I สมเด็จพระรามาธิบดีที่ ๑
King of Ayutthaya
Royal Statue of King Ramathibodi I in Ayutthaya, Ayutthaya province, Thailand
King of Ayutthaya
Reign	4 March 1351–1369
Predecessor	Monarchy established
Successor	Ramesuan
Born	10 March 1314
Died	1369
Issue	King Ramesuan of Ayutthaya
Full name Uthong Ramathibodi I
House	Uthong dynasty

King Ramathibodi I, also known as King U-thong, was a very important leader in Thai history. He was the first king of the Ayutthaya Kingdom, which was a powerful kingdom in what is now Thailand. He ruled from 1351 to 1369.

The First King of Ayutthaya

Before he became king, he was known as Prince U Thong. This name means "Golden Cradle." He became king in 1350.

There are different ideas about where Prince U Thong came from. One story says he might have been related to another important leader named Mangrai. Another well-known story from the 1600s says he was from China. This story suggests he sailed to Thailand and became a successful trader. He then became powerful enough to rule the city of Phetchaburi, which is on the coast. After that, he moved north to establish the new city of Ayutthaya.

Building a New Kingdom

King Ramathibodi I built his capital city in Ayutthaya. This city became the center of his new kingdom. His rule covered many areas, including Korat, Chantaburi, and large parts of what is now Peninsular Malaysia.

He also set up four important government offices to help him rule. These were:

• The Ministry of the Interior (Wieng), which managed the kingdom's internal affairs.
• The Ministry of the Treasury (Klang), which handled money and trade.
• The Ministry for the King's Household (Wang), which took care of the royal family and palace.
• The Ministry of Agriculture (Na), which looked after farming and food.

King Ramathibodi I also created a set of laws for his kingdom. These laws helped keep order and fairness. He also made an alliance, or friendship agreement, with the Ming dynasty in China. This helped Ayutthaya with trade and protection.

Battles and Challenges

In 1352, King Ramathibodi I led his army to attack a city called Yasodharapura. He won this battle the next year. He placed one of his sons on the throne there. However, his son only ruled for a few years. By 1357, the local people were able to take back control of their city.

After King Ramathibodi I

When King Ramathibodi I passed away in 1369, there was a disagreement about who should rule next. His son, King Ramesuan, first became the ruler of Ayutthaya. But later, Ramesuan gave up his throne to his uncle, King Borommarachathirat I.

Years later, in 1388, Ramesuan took back Ayutthaya from Borommarachathirat I's son. This shows that the early years of Ayutthaya had many changes in leadership.