The Story of the Records of
Siamese History.
[Note. — Subjoined is a translation of the first part of the introduction written by H.R.H. Prince Damrong for the History now being edited by him. It is published in the first volume. — O. Frankfurter.]
The history of Siam may properly be dividecl into three periods, namely, (1) the period when Sukhothai was the capital, (2) the period when Ayuddhya was the capital, and (3) the period since Bangkok (Ratanakosindr) has been the capital.
It is rather difficult to obtain definite, accurate knowledge about the Sukhothai period. But stone inscriptions and ancient manuscripts do exist in sufficient number to enable us to institute a comparison that affords us some knowledge. Of such stone inscriptions and ancient manuscripts I have found eleven examples having reference to that period. These are:—
1.The stone inscription of Khun Ram Khamhëng, who was the third King of Sukhothai in the dynasty founded by Phra Ruang. This inscription dates from the year B.E. 1835 (A.D. 1492), and was the first in which Siamese characters were employed. It relates the history of Sukhothai from the time King Khun Sri Indradit occupied the throne up to the reign of King Khun Ram Khamhëng.
2.A stone inscription of Phra Maha Dhammarajalithai, the fifth King of the dynasty of Phra Ruang. This inscription was made at Muang Nakhon Pu (near the present Kamphengphet) and is dated B.E. 1900 (A.D. 1557). It gives the story of certain relics brought from Ceylon.
3.Another stone inscription of Phra Maha Dhammarajalithai, on one side in Siamese characters and on the other in Cambodian. It is dated B.E. 1904 (A.D. 1561), and gives details of the history of Sukhothai in the reign of the royal author.
