2024-12-28
In the 1200th century, it was not just swords and battlefields that decided the future of the kingdoms of northern Thailand - it was also diplomacy, friendship and a belief in cooperation. The story of the three kings – King Ngam Muang, King Mengrai and King Ramkhamhaeng – is a story filled with drama, loyalty and ambition that came to define the history of the region.
The beginning of friendship: A meeting that changed everything
King Ngam Muang, ruler of Phayao, was known for his justice and wisdom. King Mengrai, who founded Chiang Mai and the Lanna Kingdom, was a visionary with a dream of united strength. King Ramkhamhaeng, of the mighty Sukhothai, was a brilliant strategist and a master politician.
The picture above shows King Ngam Muang, ruler of Phayao, who played a central role in shaping the region's history. The statue is located at the square by the beautiful lake Kwan Phayao, a place where locals and visitors honor his legacy through ceremonies and tributes. The lake and its surroundings reflect the peace and strength that the king's reign once brought to the area.
According to legend, the three kings met and swore an oath to protect each other and their kingdoms from external enemies. To solidify their alliance, they wrote a pact that would bring peace to the region and ensure the prosperity of their people. They promised not to betray each other – an unusual and bold act in an age where intrigue and treachery often marked kingdoms.
The drama that tested loyalty
But the alliance was put to the test. Historical sources tell of a tense period where a misunderstanding almost led to conflict. One story is about one of the kings ministers being suspected of spying on another king. This created a wave of unrest between the three kingdoms. But instead of letting the conflict escalate, the three kings chose to meet and sort out the situation – an act of diplomacy that was way ahead of its time.
A bond stronger than steel
The friendship of the kings was not just a political maneuver; it was also a personal relationship characterized by deep respect and belonging. It is said that King Ngam Muang and King Mengrai had a particularly strong friendship, and according to legend, it was Mengrai who helped Ngam Muang defend Phayao against invaders from other kingdoms. Together, they showed that unity could be stronger than individual strength, and their cooperation paved the way for a more stable region in a time of chaos and power struggles.
Another dramatic turning point in their history occurred when King Ramkhamhaeng mediated between King Ngam Muang and a rival ruler, securing Phayao's independence and further strengthening the alliance. It is such episodes that have cemented their legacy as not only rulers, but also as visionaries and peacemakers.
Legacy of the Alliance
Although the Lanna Kingdom and Sukhothai eventually became part of the Siamese Empire, the story of the alliance of the three kings lives on in both stories and monuments. Statues like the one at Kwan Phayao are reminders of their loyalty and cooperation, something that still inspires people today.
Their story is a powerful reminder that even in a time of war and rivalry, courage, diplomacy and friendship could shape the future.
A legacy for posterity
Today, their legacy continues to be celebrated through festivals and ceremonies such as Yi Peng and Loy Krathong, and through the stories that generation after generation share with one another. Visitors to Kwan Phayao honor Kung Ngam Muang by laying flowers at his statue, as a gesture of respect and gratitude for his role in bringing peace to the region.
The three kings from 1200th-century northern Thailand
Name Position Kingdom Time on the throne King Ngam Muang King of Phayao Phayao approx. 1258–1298 King Mengrai Founder of the Lanna Kingdom, King of Chiang Mai Chiang Mai (Lanna) approx. 1261–1317 King Ramkhamhaeng King of Sukhothai S approx. 1279–1298
Key facts
- King Ngam Muang: Led Phayao in its heyday and entered into an important alliance to protect the region.
- King Mengrai: Founded Chiang Mai as the capital of the Lanna Kingdom and unified the region culturally and politically.
- King Ramkhamhaeng: Created the prosperity of Sukhothai and developed the Thai alphabet, contributing to cultural integration.
Text: The editorial staff
Image license: Thailand Info