Setthathirath

Glossaries

Term	Definition
Setthathirath	Setthathirath (1534-1571) was a prominent king of Lan Xang (now Laos) and briefly of the kingdom of Ayutthaya in Thailand, renowned for his role as a builder and defender of the Buddhist faith. Born in 1534, Setthathirath ascended to the throne of Lan Xang in 1548 and reigned until his death in 1571. Following the death of his father Photisarath, he claimed the throne and extended his reign to become king of Ayutthaya in 1569, before returning to defend his kingdom against Burmese threats. Setthathirath is most noted for his architectural contributions, including the construction of the famous Pha That Luang temple in Vientiane, a national symbol of Laos. His reign saw the strengthening of both military and religious structures, thereby consolidating the identity and independence of Lan Xang.

Term

Definition

Setthathirath (1534-1571) was a prominent king of Lan Xang (now Laos) and briefly of the kingdom of Ayutthaya in Thailand, renowned for his role as a builder and defender of the Buddhist faith.

Born in 1534, Setthathirath ascended to the throne of Lan Xang in 1548 and reigned until his death in 1571. Following the death of his father Photisarath, he claimed the throne and extended his reign to become king of Ayutthaya in 1569, before returning to defend his kingdom against Burmese threats. Setthathirath is most noted for his architectural contributions, including the construction of the famous Pha That Luang temple in Vientiane, a national symbol of Laos. His reign saw the strengthening of both military and religious structures, thereby consolidating the identity and independence of Lan Xang.