Warrior King of Thailand: King Naresuan's Remarkable Life

Summary

King Naresuan, a Thai national hero, is celebrated in films, TV, and games for his legendary status as the greatest warrior king. His life, from being a hostage to leading the Siamese to freedom from Myanmar's rule, is deeply revered in Thailand. Despite historical debates, his daring tactics, like the formation of the Wild Tigers and the legendary elephant battle, symbolize his strategic genius and the Thai people's passion for their liberator. Naresuan's quest for independence and expansion of Siam's territory marks a pivotal era in Thai history.

Takeaways

• 🏰 King Naresuan is a celebrated national hero and a revered monarch in Thailand, with his life depicted in multiple films, a TV series, and a multiplayer online game.
• 🎭 The Thai people's deep respect for King Naresuan is evident, as demonstrated by the prosecution faced by a historian for questioning a detail of his legend.
• 🕊 Thailand, once known as Siam, has a rich history of cultural influences from Hindus, Buddhists, and the Khmer civilization, and evolved from small city-states to a powerful kingdom.
• 🛡️ The Kingdom of Ayutthaya grew to prominence in the 14th century, expanding its territories and adopting Hindu practices that reinforced the divine status of its rulers.
• ⚔️ Conflicts between the Ayutthaya Kingdom and the Toungoo dynasty of Myanmar were inevitable, leading to wars and significant territorial changes in the region.
• 🐘 King Maha Chakkraphat's refusal to tribute white elephants to the Burmese King Bayinnaung sparked a major conflict, resulting in Ayutthaya becoming a vassal state.
• 👦 Prince Naret, later King Naresuan, was taken hostage to Myanmar where he was educated and trained, laying the groundwork for his future role in liberating Siam.
• 🦅 King Naresuan formed the Wild Tigers, an army of volunteers skilled in guerrilla warfare, to combat the numerically superior forces of Myanmar.
• 🏹 Naresuan's strategic use of scorched earth tactics and guerrilla warfare successfully repelled multiple invasions by the Toungoo dynasty.
• 🐘 The legendary Battle of Nong Sa Rai, where King Naresuan is said to have slain the Burmese Crown Prince Mingyi Swa in single combat atop war elephants, became a symbol of Thai resistance and unity.
• 🎖️ King Naresuan's victories not only freed Siam from Myanmar's rule but also expanded its territories, securing his legacy as 'the Great' and a symbol of Thai national pride.

Q & A

Who is King Naresuan and why is he considered a national hero in Thailand?

King Naresuan is a revered monarch in Thai history, known as the greatest warrior king. He is considered a national hero for his efforts in freeing Siam from the rule of the Toungoo dynasty of Myanmar and is depicted in various forms of media, including films, a TV series, and a multiplayer online game.

What incident demonstrates the Thai people's passion for King Naresuan?

The incident where historian Sulak Sivaraksa faced prosecution in a Thai military court for questioning a detail of King Naresuan's legend demonstrates the Thai people's deep passion and respect for the legendary king.

How did the Kingdom of Ayutthaya start and develop its territories?

The Kingdom of Ayutthaya started as a small city-state on the northwest edge of the Khmer Empire in the 14th century. It grew in power around the Chao Phraya River Basin, which had rich rice fields, and expanded its territories by pushing back the Khmer and sacking their capital, Angkor, in 1431.

What cultural influences shaped the Ayutthaya Kingdom?

The Ayutthaya Kingdom was heavily influenced by Hindu and Buddhist cultures due to traders and travelers moving through the region between India and China. Additionally, the kingdom adopted Hindu practices from the Khmer hostages, including the concept of the god-king and divine reverence for rulers.

What led to the conflict between the Ayutthaya Kingdom and the Toungoo dynasty of Myanmar?

The expansion of both the Ayutthaya Kingdom and the Toungoo dynasty led to inevitable conflict. After a victory in the 1547-1569 war with the Toungoo dynasty, Ayutthaya King Maha Chakkraphat anticipated further conflict and prepared for invasion, which prompted Burmese King Bayinnaung to attack first.

Why did Maha Thammaracha, the governor of Phitsanulok, surrender to Bayinnaung?

Maha Thammaracha surrendered to Bayinnaung as a last resort when his people were suffering from a smallpox epidemic and were out of food, according to some historians. However, others view him as a turncoat who willingly joined forces with the Toungoo king.

How did King Naresuan prepare to rebel against Myanmar's rule?

King Naresuan prepared to rebel by forming an army of volunteers called the Wild Tigers, trained in stealth and speed. He also renounced his allegiance to Myanmar, knowing it would provoke a retaliation, and left nothing to sustain the invading army by burning towns and villages and using guerrilla warfare tactics.

What was the significance of the Battle of Nong Sa Rai in Thai history?

The Battle of Nong Sa Rai was significant as it was the decisive battle where King Naresuan defeated the Toungoo army led by Crown Prince Mingyi Swa. Naresuan's victory in this battle is considered legendary and is celebrated as a national holiday in Thailand.

How did King Naresuan's victory impact the relationship between Siam and Myanmar?

King Naresuan's victory ended the Myanmar threat, and Siam was not invaded by Myanmar again until the 18th century. It also allowed Siam to gain trade access to the Indian Ocean and inspired revolts in southern Myanmar, leading to Siamese occupation of territories on the Salween River.

What is the legend associated with cockerels in the context of King Naresuan?

The legend associated with cockerels involves King Naresuan as a royal hostage in Myanmar, where he engaged in cockfighting. When his rooster won, he asked for Siam's freedom instead of a material prize, symbolizing his dedication to his country's independence.

How did King Naresuan's death affect the succession of the Siamese throne?

King Naresuan was succeeded by his brother Ekathotsarot after his death, which is believed to have been due to smallpox. His legacy as 'the Great' and his role in liberating Siam from foreign rule continue to be celebrated in Thailand.

Outlines

00:00

🏰 The Legend of King Naresuan and Early Siam

King Naresuan is celebrated as a national hero and a revered monarch in Thailand, with his life depicted in various media forms. His significance is underscored by the legal repercussions faced by a historian who questioned a detail of his legend. The historical context of Thailand, known as Siam, is explored, highlighting its early settlements, cultural influences from Hindus, Buddhists, and the Khmer civilization, and the rise of the Ayutthaya Kingdom. The script also discusses the strategic and cultural developments that shaped the Ayutthaya rulers, including the adoption of Hindu practices and the concept of divine kingship.

05:01

🛡️ The Struggle for Power: Ayutthaya and the Toungoo Dynasty

This paragraph delves into the geopolitical tensions between the expanding Ayutthaya Kingdom and the Toungoo dynasty of Myanmar in the 16th century. It details the military conflicts, including King Maha Chakkraphat's war with the Toungoo dynasty, the fortification of Ayutthaya, and the strategic moves that led to the city's temporary fall to Myanmar. The narrative includes the controversial role of Maha Thammaracha, the governor of Phitsanulok, and the hostage situation of King Naresuan's predecessors, setting the stage for Naresuan's rise to power and his quest for liberation from Myanmar's rule.

10:07

🗡️ King Naresuan's Fight for Independence and Legacy

The paragraph chronicles King Naresuan's journey from being a prince to becoming a symbol of Thai independence. It describes his military training in Myanmar, the formation of his elite 'Wild Tigers' force, and his guerrilla warfare tactics against the Toungoo army. Naresuan's defiance of Myanmar's rule, his victories against the invading forces, and his expansion of Siam's territories are highlighted. The paragraph culminates in the legendary Battle of Nong Sa Rai, where Naresuan is said to have slain the Burmese Crown Prince Mingyi Swa in a dramatic elephant duel, securing Siam's independence and earning him a place in Thai history as a great warrior king.

🎖️ The Aftermath of War and Naresuan's Lasting Impact

This final paragraph examines the consequences of the wars and Naresuan's efforts to consolidate and expand Siam's influence. It discusses the internal strife within the Toungoo dynasty following Bayinnaung's death and Naresuan's subsequent military successes, including the capture of Tavoy and Tenasserim, which opened up trade routes to the Indian Ocean. The paragraph also touches on the decline of the Toungoo empire and Nanda Bayin's uncertain fate. King Naresuan's death, his posthumous recognition, and the cultural significance of his story, including the association with cock fighting and the rooster as a symbol of his legacy, are also covered. The paragraph concludes with a call to action for viewers to explore history further through suggested resources.

Keywords

💡King Naresuan

King Naresuan is a central figure in the video, known as the greatest warrior king in Thai history. His legacy is deeply revered in Thailand, as evidenced by his depiction in films, a TV series, and a multiplayer online game. The video explores his life, his battles, and his significance in freeing Siam from the rule of the Toungoo dynasty of Myanmar, which is a key theme of the video.

💡Toungoo Dynasty

The Toungoo Dynasty refers to the Burmese ruling power that once controlled parts of what is now Thailand. In the video, it is depicted as the adversary of King Naresuan, with whom he fought to liberate Siam. The Toungoo Dynasty's influence and the subsequent wars are pivotal to understanding the historical context of Naresuan's struggles.

💡Ayutthaya Kingdom

The Ayutthaya Kingdom was a Siamese kingdom that played a significant role in the region's history. In the video, it is mentioned as the kingdom that expanded its territories and later became a vassal state to the Toungoo Dynasty after conflicts with Myanmar. The kingdom's transformation under King Naresuan's leadership is a key narrative in the video.

💡National Hero

A national hero is an individual who is celebrated for their outstanding deeds or service to their country. King Naresuan is referred to as a national hero in the video, highlighting his status as a revered figure in Thai history for his role in defending and liberating Siam from foreign control.

💡White Elephants

In the video, white elephants are mentioned as symbols of good luck, which King Chakkraphat captured for that reason. They were also used as a form of tribute when Chakkraphat had to hand over some to the Toungoo Dynasty as part of a peace negotiation, illustrating the cultural and political significance of these animals in the historical context.

💡Vassal State

A vassal state is a political entity that is subordinate to another, often larger, state. In the script, Ayutthaya becomes a vassal state of Myanmar after a series of conflicts, which is a critical point in the narrative as it sets the stage for King Naresuan's quest for independence.

💡Elephant Battle

The term 'Elephant Battle' refers to the legendary fight between King Naresuan and Mingyi Swa atop their war elephants. This battle is a significant and legendary event in Thai history, as it symbolizes Naresuan's victory over the Toungoo forces and is celebrated as a national holiday in the video.

💡Cultural Influence

Cultural influence is the impact one culture has on another, often through trade, conquest, or other interactions. In the video, the script discusses how the region's culture was influenced by Hindus, Buddhists, and the Khmer civilization, shaping the Ayutthaya Kingdom's religious and social practices.

💡Guerrilla Warfare

Guerrilla warfare is a type of irregular warfare in which small groups use military tactics such as ambushes and sabotage to fight a larger and less mobile force. King Naresuan is described as using guerrilla tactics against the Toungoo army, which contributed to his military success and is a key element in the video's depiction of his strategies.

💡National Holiday

A national holiday is a day on which citizens have a day off from work and which is often connected to a nation's cultural or historical heritage. The video mentions January 18 as a national holiday in Thailand, commemorating the Battle of Nong Sa Rai, where King Naresuan defeated the Toungoo forces.

💡Cultural Reverence

Cultural reverence refers to deep respect and veneration for someone or something within a culture. The video describes how King Naresuan is held in such high esteem in Thailand that questioning details of his legend can lead to legal repercussions, demonstrating the depth of cultural reverence for this historical figure.

Highlights

King Naresuan is a national hero in Thailand and a revered monarch, with multiple films and a TV series depicting his life.

The Thai people's passion for King Naresuan is evident, as demonstrated by the prosecution of a historian questioning a detail of his legend.

Thailand, historically known as Siam, has a rich cultural history influenced by Hindus, Buddhists, and Khmer civilization.

The Kingdom of Ayutthaya emerged in the 14th century and expanded its territories, influencing the region's political landscape.

Ayutthaya adopted Hindu practices from the Khmer, including the concept of the god-king, which strengthened the monarchy.

The Toungoo dynasty of Myanmar and the Ayutthaya Kingdom were engaged in inevitable conflict due to territorial expansion.

King Maha Chakkraphat of Ayutthaya prepared for war against Myanmar, capturing white elephants for good luck.

Maha Thammaracha, governor of Phitsanulok, surrendered to Myanmar, a move with disputed motivations.

King Naresuan, known as the Black Prince, was educated in Myanmar and formed a rivalry with Mingyi-Swa.

Naresuan became King of Phitsanulok and sought to liberate Siam from Myanmar's rule through guerrilla warfare.

The Battle of Nong Sa Rai in 1593 is a legendary event in Thai history, where Naresuan defeated Mingyi Swa in a dramatic elephant duel.

Naresuan's victory at Nong Sa Rai is celebrated as a national holiday in Thailand, symbolizing the end of Myanmar's threat.

Naresuan expanded Siam's territories, gaining access to the Indian Ocean and inspiring revolts in southern Myanmar.

The end of Bayinnaung's empire and the rise of Naresuan marked a significant shift in the regional power dynamics.

King Naresuan's legacy is commemorated with effigies of cockerels, symbolizing his request for Siam's freedom over material rewards.

Transcripts

King Naresuan is a national hero in Thailand and  one of the country’s most revered monarchs. At  

least two films and a TV series depict his life,  as well as a multiplayer online role-playing game  

entitled King Naresuan Online. King Naresuan is  so respected in Thailand that when an 84-year-old  

historian named Sulak Sivaraksa questioned  one of the details of the legend, he faced  

prosecution in a Thai military court. Although  the case was ultimately dropped after two years,  

this incident demonstrates how truly passionate  the Thai are about the legendary king. But who  

was Naresuan, and how did he become  known as the greatest warrior king  

in Thai history? Keep watching to find out. The country now known as Thailand has been  

inhabited for tens of thousands of years. People  settled along the river valleys, farming rice,  

domesticating animals, and fishing. The  political system in the area evolved with  

groups of villages ruled over by a hereditary  lord. Hindus and Buddhists heavily influenced  

the region's culture as traders and travelers  moved through the region between India and  

China. They were also influenced by the Khmer  culture, which was an Indianized civilization. 

In the 14th century, the Kingdom of Ayutthaya  started as a small city-state on the northwest  

edge of the Khmer Empire. It grew in power  around the Chao Phraya River Basin with its  

rich rice planes, situated around 55 miles north  of modern-day Bangkok. It was during this period  

that the region began to be referred to as Siam.  The Ayutthaya kings increased their territories,  

pushing back the Khmer and even sacking the Khmer  capital of Angkor in 1431. The Ayutthaya brought  

many Khmer captives back from Angkor. Then, the  Ayutthayan royals adopted numerous Hindu practices  

from the Khmer hostages, including the idea of the  god-king and holding rulers in divine reverence.  

This new devotion to the ruler solidified  and intensified the power of the monarch. 

As the Ayutthaya Kingdom was expanding,  so was Myanmar’s dynasty of Toungoo,  

which led to inevitable war. In the 16th century,  Ayutthaya king Maha Chakkraphat clashed with the  

Myanmarese. After a victory in the 1547-1569 war  with the Toungoo dynasty, Chakkraphat anticipated  

further conflict and built up the defenses  of his capital. To try and preempt an attack,  

Chakkraphat decided to prepare to invade  Myanmar, building up arms and supplies and  

capturing seven white elephants for good luck.  News of Chakkraphat’s war preparation reached  

the Burmese King Bayinnaung, who attacked first,  taking Lan Na’s city of Chang Mai in 1556. Soon,  

most of northern Siam was controlled by Myanmar.  As his power was growing, Bayinnaung demanded  

that Chakkraphat give two of his white  elephants as tribute. Chakkraphat refused,  

and Bayinnaung marched his troops to Ayutthaya. On their way, the Toungoo army took the town of  

Phitsanulok, whose governor – Maha Thammaracha  – surrendered and submitted to Bayinnaung in  

January 1564. Some historians believe  that his surrender happened only as a  

last resort when his people were out of food  and suffering a smallpox epidemic. In contrast,  

others view him as a turncoat who willingly joined  forces with the Toungoo king. In February 1564,  

the Toungoo army reached the city walls of  Ayutthaya and bombarded the city. Although  

they could not breach the walls, it soon  became clear that the city’s inhabitants  

could not outlast a prolonged siege. Chakkraphat  felt he had little choice but to negotiate peace,  

although this cost him several of his war leaders  and his son, Prince Ramesuanm, who were all taken  

back to Myanmar as hostages. Chakkraphat also had  to hand over four of his lucky white elephants. 

The king of Phitsanulok, Maha Thammaracha,  had two sons and one daughter. Although  

many historians cite him as the reason  Bayinnaung successfully invaded Ayutthaya,  

he was subject to the same conditions as King  Chakkraphat. His oldest child, Suphankanlaya,  

was known as the Golden Princess, with the middle  son, Prince Naret, called the Black Prince,  

while the youngest – Ekathotsarot – received the  moniker White Prince. Naret, who was born in 1555,  

was just eight when his father’s kingdom  became a vassal state of Myanmar. To secure  

Thammaracha’s loyalty, Bayinnaung took his two  sons hostage and returned with them to Myanmar,  

where they would be educated in his court.  In some stories, while at Bayinnaung’s court,  

Narresuan met Bayinnaung’s grandson, Mingyi-Swa,  who was around his age. All accounts describe a  

rivalry between the two boys and one that would  come to a head in adulthood. However, there are  

no historical records of this encounter – although  it is conceivable – and many historians believe  

the tale of their meeting in their youth is simply  a plot device to add more intrigue to the story. 

In 1569, King Chakkraphat died, and Ayutthaya  was made a vassal state of Myanmar. The Ayutthaya  

capital was plundered, thousands of captured  Siamese were enslaved and sent to Myanmar,  

and the Ayutthaya Kingdom became a vassal of  Bayinnaung’s Toungoo dynasty. It was obligated  

to pay a yearly tax of thirty elephants and three  hundred pieces of silver. Thammaracha’s ongoing  

loyalty to Bayinnaung was rewarded with the return  of his sons and the rule of Ayutthaya. However,  

his daughter – Princess Suphankanlaya – was  sent to Myanmar and became Bayinnaung’s lover. 

Around 1570, the young Prince Naret  was crowned King of Phitsanulok by  

his father and adopted the name King Naresuan.  Having received military training in Myanmar,  

Naresuan soon became an adept and popular king. He  was able to defend the kingdom against the Khmer,  

but his real target was the Toungoo. Although  he remained a vassal for the Myanmar dynasty,  

his true desire was to free Siam from Toungoo  rule. As he was trained in the Myanmar court,  

he knew he stood no chance in out-and-out warfare.  So, instead, he formed an army of volunteers  

called the Wild Tigers, who were trained in  stealth and speed. Naresuan knew the Siamese  

could defeat their enemy, despite having fewer  numbers, if they used the element of surprise  

and their superior knowledge of the terrain. In 1581, Bayinnaung died, leaving his son  

Nanda Bayin to rule his empire. Nanda  Bayin was not as shrewd as his father,  

and his rule did not start well. When he was  crowned, he had to face a rebellion from his  

uncles. Three years later, things would get worse. By 1584, Naresuan’s army was well organized and  

fully trained, and his father – who supported his  plans to rebel – had repaired and strengthened  

Ayutthaya’s fortifications. Naresuan renounced  his allegiance to Myanmar, knowing this act  

would cause Nanda Bayin to retaliate and send in  his army. Naresuan retreated but left nothing to  

sustain the invading army. He burned down towns  and villages, scorching the fields and poisoning  

or moving the livestock. As the Toungoo army  advanced, they found nothing but devastation and  

were plagued by guerrilla attacks from Naresuan’s  Wild Tigers. Unable to resupply and depleted from  

the ambushes, the invading army was forced to turn  back. Back in Myanmar, Nanda Bayin regrouped his  

army and, over the next three years, made numerous  attempts to invade the Chao Phraya River Valley,  

but each time, Naresuan was victorious. Naresuan was not only able to fight off  

the Myanmar invasions but also repelled Cambodian  forces. When Naresuan’s father died in 1590, he  

became king of Siam and decided he was no longer  content with defensive measures alone. He took his  

army and captured the Cambodian capital of Lovek,  after which Cambodia became a vassal of Siam. He  

also conquered the Kingdom of Chiang Mai, which  became subservient to Naresuan’s growing kingdom. 

The year 1593 saw Naresuan’s most famous  battle, the decisive Battle of Nong Sa  

Rai. Despite years of failure, Nanda Bayin was  determined to reconquer the Ayutthaya Kingdom.  

Toward the end of 1592, Nanda Bayin launched  the last Toungoo invasion and left his son,  

Crown Prince Mingyi Swa, to command his huge  army. Mingyi Swa had a reputation for ineptitude,  

but his vast army greatly outnumbered  the Siam forces. Although Naresuan’s  

army fought ferociously, they were soon forced  to retreat and were on the brink of collapse. 

At this point, Naresuan’s story really becomes  legendary. King Naresuan decided to ride into  

the fray on his war elephant and seek out Mingyi  Swa. Some stories say that Naresuan challenged  

Mingyi Swa to one-on-one combat, saying, “Why do  you stay on your elephant in the shade? Come out  

and engage in honorable single combat; there will  be no kings who ever do this again.” Other tales  

say that Naresuan fought his way through the enemy  ranks before finding Mingyi Swa and attacking  

him. Most accounts agree that the fight was so  awe-inspiring that the soldiers stopped fighting  

each other in order to watch the epic battle. Ultimately, Naresuan won, slaying Mingyi Swa,  

whose troops fled at the sight of their fallen  leader. This battle is so firmly planted in Thai  

history that the date of the conflict, January 18,  was adopted as a national holiday. Some historians  

contest whether the elephant battle ever took  place, as there are no Siamese or European records  

of it from the time it supposedly happened.  Nevertheless, it is now an integral part of  

the legend, and most Thai people fondly retell and  firmly believe in it. Regardless of the specifics,  

Naresuan won and finally defeated the Toungoo. Naresuan had put an end to the Myanmar threat,  

and Siam would not be invaded by Myanmar again  until the 18th century. Furthermore, in 1593,  

Naresuan was able to take the Myanmar provinces  of Tavoy and Tenasserim. This conquest gave Siam  

trade access to the Indian Ocean and inspired the  people in southern Myanmar to revolt and invite  

Naresuan to occupy territories on the Salween  River. In 1595, Nanda Bayin was forced to defend  

the capital of Pegu from Siamese attacks.  Four years later, Pegu was besieged by Nanda  

Bayin’s brothers, who took Nanda Bayin hostage.  Bayinnaung’s empire was totally dismembered. Many  

historians postulate that Bayinnaung’s ambition  outweighed his administrative skills and theorize  

that his empire was too big to manage effectively.  When Naresuan planned to attack Pegu again in  

1599, the Toungoo leaders feared that if Pegu fell  into Siamese hands, it would give Ayutthaya too  

much power. So, they destroyed the city before  Naresuan could arrive, and Naresuan was forced  

to retreat, having found Pegu devastated. Little is known about Nanda Bayin’s death,  

with some reports that he was assassinated  by Toungoo Prince Natshinnaung, in 1600. One  

legendary account says that he “laughed to death  when informed, by a visiting Italian merchant,  

that Venice was a free state without a king.” King Naresuan was awarded the title “the Great”  

by his people, and it is thought that he died  in 1605, leading his army to defend Chiang Mai  

Province. Many historians now believe he died of  an illness that was likely to have been smallpox.  

He was succeeded by his brother Ekathotsarot. In many memorials to King Naresuan,  

effigies of cockerels are often seen.  The link with roosters relates to another  

legend associated with Naresuan, which is that  during his youth as a royal hostage in Myanmar,  

he engaged in cock fighting. When his rooster  beat the reigning champion, Naresuan refused any  

material prize, instead asking for Siam’s  freedom. Although this story is unproven,  

it adds to the Thai people’s passion for the  hero king who freed them from foreign rule. 

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