Thong Lan (Thai: สมเด็จพระเจ้าทองลัน) was the fourth king of the Ayutthaya Kingdom, an ancient kingdom in present-day Thailand. He is notable for having one of the shortest reigns in Thai history, ruling for only seven days before being deposed and executed.
Biography
Thong Lan was the son of King Borommarachathirat I (also known as Khun Luang Pha Ngua), the third king of Ayutthaya and a member of the Suphannaphum Dynasty. He ascended to the throne in 750 LE (Lesser Era), corresponding to 1931 BE (Buddhist Era) or approximately 1388/89 CE, at the age of 15 (some accounts give his age as 17).
Reign and Death
Thong Lan's reign lasted a mere seven days. He was deposed and executed in a coup led by Prince Ramesuan, who had previously been king of Ayutthaya (r. 1369–1370) before being succeeded by Thong Lan's father. Ramesuan, a member of the rival Uthong Dynasty, seized the throne for a second time after eliminating the young king. Following Thong Lan's death, Ramesuan returned to power and reigned until 1395.
Legacy
Thong Lan's brief and violent end reflects the turbulent dynastic struggles of early Ayutthaya, where the Suphannaphum and Uthong houses competed for control of the kingdom. His short reign is recorded in the chronicles of Ayutthaya, and he is remembered as a tragic figure — a young king caught in the power struggles of his elders.
