History of Isan - Sukhothai and Ayutthaya

Sukhothai and Ayutthaya

The Sukhothai Kingdom broke free from the Angkor Empire around the 13th century. Although Isan is not thought to have been a part of the Sukhothai kingdom due to the lack of clear evidence, the Khmer empire became weaker and retreated to its Cambodian heartlands, leaving Isan in the hands of fragmented muang (เมือง) city-states or statelets. However, many Khmer-speaking people remained and are still a prominent fixture in the southern area, constituting the majority in present-day southern part of the region such as in present day Surin Province, Buriram Province and are also numerous in part of Sisaket Province.

However, the history of Isan from the period of the retreat of Khmer empire to the end of the 18th century largely remained 'silent'. No details about communities in Isan were mentioned in contemporary sources, such as Ayutthaya's Chronicles or Codes. Apparently Ayutthaya limited its influence in Nakhon Ratchasima which was founded in the 17th century, and thought the frontier's stronghold of Ayutthaya Kingdom in the east.