Thailand: Statue of King Ramkhamhaeng the Great, Sukhothai Historical Park

Pho Khun Ram Khamhaeng (birth: around 1237-1247; death: 1298) was the third king of the Phra Ruang dynasty, ruling the Sukhothai Kingdom (a forerunner of the modern kingdom of Thailand) from 1279-1298, during its most prosperous era. He is credited with the creation of the Thai alphabet and the firm establishment of Theravada Buddhism as the state religion of the kingdom. Recent scholarship has cast doubt on his role, however, noting that much of the information relating to his rule may be fabricated in the 19th century in order to legitimize the Siamese state in the face of colonial threats.