Research & Article

Prior to founding Ayudhya, the former capital of Thailand, King Ramathibodi I succeeded his father-in law in ruling the city of U Thong. However, the history of King Ramathibodi’s own father is unknown, leading to numerous folk tales; this article recounts one of these popular Thai myths. This particular story focuses on “Tao U Thong,” a term commonly used in folk tales to refer to King Ramathibodi, with “Tao” meaning “king” and “U Thong” referring to a cradle of gold, which the King is traditionally believed to have had as a child. The article’s juxtaposition of historical contextualization with the myth itself provides a broader understanding of its factual elements. Furthermore, aiming to understand the folk tale’s origin, the article explores similar myths, such as an Indian legend and a Thai droll story. By analyzing the significant resemblance of these folk tales, it is clear to see their possible influence.