Phra Chao Luang
King of Siam from 1089 to 1111
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Phra Chao Luang (Thai: พระเจ้าหลวง), the second sovereign of Xiān at Ayodhya,[1]: 41–2 acceded to the throne in 1089[2] following his successful resolution of a protracted succession dispute among the nine noble clans of Ayodhya that had arisen after the death of King Narai I.[1]: 41–2 [2] The civil conflict is believed to have inflicted severe devastation upon the city, resulting in significant depopulation and long-term instability. It is further suggested that factional tensions within the royal court persisted throughout his reign.[3]: 101
The extant records of Phra Chao Luang’s twenty-two–year reign provide only limited testimony regarding his political and military activities. Nonetheless, they preserve significant evidence of his contributions to economic organization and religious patronage. According to the Northern Chronicle, he instituted the establishment of Akorn Khanon (อากรขนอน), a form of tax office, in every subdistrict, thereby systematizing fiscal administration.[1]: 41 In 1098, he relinquished the royal palace to facilitate the expansion of the principal Buddhist temple precinct, which subsequently became known as Wat Doem or Wat Ayodhya (วัดเดิม, lit. 'old temple, original temple' or วัดอโยธยา).[1]: 41–2 [3]: 102 A new royal palace was thereafter constructed to the south of the site of the present-day Wat Phanan Choeng.[3]: 102
Phra Chao Luang remained on the throne until 1111.[2] As he died without a male heir, the polity entered a brief interregnum.[1]: 42–3 Historical tradition records that the king was survived by a single daughter, Rajadevi (ราชเทวี), who was married to Duangkrian Krishnaraja (ดวงเกรียนกฤษณะราช), son of King Kesariraja of Lavo. They then went to ruled Kishkindha (เมืองขีดขิน or เสนาราชนคร) in the present-day Saraburi province.[3]: 104
During the ensuing vacancy of the throne, it is posited that political authority in the region temporarily shifted to Lavo.[3]: 103–4 Shortly thereafter, the throne of Ayodhya was offered to a commoner, Sai Nam Peung, who assumed the kingship.[1]: 43–4 [2]