Throughout Thai history, Queen Suriyothai is remembered for her extraordinary courage, having done something unusual for a queen of her time: she entered the battlefield herself. She even dressed up as a soldier and rode a war elephant to guard her husband, King Maha Chakkraphat, when Burmese forces invaded the Kingdom of Ayutthaya within the sixteenth century.
Sacrifice on the battlefield
Suriyothai was the consort of King Maha Chakkraphat of the Ayutthaya Kingdom. Historical data regarding her life is restricted, however it is thought that the royal couple had a minimum of five children: Phra Ramesuan, Phra Mahin (later King Mahinthrathirat), Phra Sawatdirat, Phra Boromdilok and Phra Thepkassatri.
The event that made her name famous occurred about six months after Maha Chakkraphat ascended the throne. King Tabinshwehti of Burma launched an invasion to overcome Ayutthaya. Siamese forces then massed west of the capital to satisfy the attack.
During the battle, Suriyothai entered the battlefield wearing armor and disguised as a male warrior. She rode on a war elephant together with her daughter Boromdilok, while the king led the military from the principal elephant. Their two eldest sons also joined the battle.
When King Maha Chakkraphat got here nose to nose with Viceroy Prome from the Burmese side, the elephant he was riding suddenly panicked and retreated, putting him in great danger. Suriyothai immediately drove her elephant forward and stood between the king and the enemy.
Viceroy Prome then struck her with a spear that pierced her arm to the center, an attack that also mortally wounded her daughter. It was only when her helmet fell off and her long hair was revealed that the others realized that the warrior who blocked the enemy was actually the queen.
From war history to national symbol
Suriyothai’s sacrifice later became a crucial a part of Thailand’s historical memory. Her story continued to be remembered and popularized by royal historians, including Prince Damrong Rajanubhab.
In the twentieth century, Suriyothai’s story was also used to strengthen nationalist sentiments. Military commander Phibun Songkhram promoted historical figures as symbols of patriotism.
Apart from Suriyothai, other female figures resembling Thao Suranari (Ya Mo), Thao Thepsatri, Thao Sriunthorn and Princess Suphankalaya were also elevated as symbols of sacrifice for the nation. In 1943, Phibun’s wife even founded the Women’s Cultural Club, with Suriyothai becoming the national symbol of this organization.
Historical heritage
Tribute to Suriyothai is reflected in a monument built on the plains of Makham Yong, north of Ayutthaya, near the Chao Phraya River. It is believed to be the positioning of the battle where the queen fell.
The monument was built after Queen Sirikit proposed its construction through the term of Prime Minister Prem Tinsulanonda. The monument was made by sculptor Khaimuk Chuto, a student of Silpa Bhirasri, and was unveiled in 1995. The principal sculpture depicts Suriyothai charging into battle on the back of an elephant, surrounded by Siamese soldiers and figures of abnormal people reacting to her sacrifice.
Although her story is widely known, some historians note that there are differences intimately within the royal chronicles. Some interpretations even suggest that a 16-year-old princess named Phra Boromdhilok can have taken part within the famous elephant duel. Nevertheless, despite these debates, Suriyothai stays considered a logo of courage in Thai history.
Her story was also dropped at the large screen on this epic film The Legend of Suriyothai in 2001, produced by MC Chatrichalerma Yukola with financial support from Queen Sirikit. The film then became the most costly production within the history of Thai cinema and recorded the best ticket sales.
