La Reine Suriyothai - Somdet Phra Suriyothai, สมเด็จพระสุริโยทัย

La Reine Suriyothai - Somdet Phra Suriyothai, สมเด็จพระสุริโยทัย

légendaire reine au cours du 16ème siècle Ayutthaya .Thailand-World-Histoire

Memorial of Queen Suriyothai, Ayutthaya Province, Thailand

Suriyothai was queen during the early part of the reign of King Maha Chakapat (2091 to 2106 Buddhist Era, with another reign from 2111 to 2112 B.E.). In 1548 AD, barely six months into King Maha Chakapat’s reign, the King of Burma invaded Siam with the intent of sacking the main capital, Ayutthaya.

As was the custom at the time, King Maha Chakapat led his troops in the defense of the city from atop his war elephant. Even though women were not permitted to take part in battle, Queen Suriyothai was so concerned for her husband that she disguised herself as a man and rode into battle on her own elephant.

During the battle with Burmese troops, King Maha Chakapat’s elephant collapsed from wounds and he was in danger of being killed. Queen Suriyothai rode her elephant to protect her husband and was killed by a scythe.

A memorial chedi to Queen Suriyothai, Phra Chedi Sisuriyothai, was built by King Maha Chakapat in her honor. The chedi is located at Wat Suanluang Sopsawan at the banks of the Chao Phraya, southwest of the Wang Luang (Royal Palace). There is also a memorial park to her outside of Ayutthaya, featuring a large statue of the queen riding a war elephant.

In 2001, a Thai movie about her life, The Legend of Suriyothai, was released. The film was directed by M.C. Chatrichalerm Yukol of the Thai Royal Family and financed by Queen Sirikit.