Page 96 - A History of Siam

A HISTORY OF SIAM
94
Buddha, now to be seen in the Royal Palace at Bangkok,
was to to the most
brought Chiengmai. According
probable account, this truly remarkable image was
discovered at Chiengrai in 1436, in the interior of a
pagoda which had been struck by lightning. It was
taken to Nak'on Lamp'ang, and thirty-two years later
was removed to In it was
(1468) Chiengmai. 1470
placed by Maharaja Tilok in a temple specially erected
1
for its
reception.
In Prince 1 which
1488 Boromoraja captured Tavoy,
became a bone of contention between Burma and Siam
for hundreds of
years.
King Trailok did not long survive his ancient foe,
Maharaja Tilok. He died at P'itsanulok in 1488, aged
after a of 1 He to
fifty-seven, reign forty years. appears
have been a very capable and politic ruler. His natural
doubtless made him averse to
religious feelings warfare,
but the restless ambition of Maharaja Tilok forced him
to most of his in
spend reign fighting against Chiengmai.
Many of the actions of King Trailok were influenced
by an evident desire to imitate King Ramk'amheng of
Suk'ot'ai. One of his wives, the mother of King Rama
T'ibodi II, was a Princess of the Royal Family of
Suk'ot'ai.
King Jai Jett'a removed this image from Chiengmai to Luang P'rabang
1
in 1547. It was taken to Wiengchan, where it remained till 1779, when Chao
Pya Chakn (Rama I) removed it to Bangkok.
8
It is not certain whether Tavoy was at this time an independent principality,
or was subject to Siam, and had rebelled. There is no reason to suppose that it
belonged to Burma.
*
According to some versions of Siamese history, King Trailokanat died in the
year when he left the priesthood (correct date 1465) and was surceudtd by his
son Int'araja, who reigned for 22 years, and was in turn succeeded by his son
ot brother) Rama T'ibodi II. The best authenticated account is that given
ere and in the next chapter.