Dubbed as the first Thai kingdom, the city gained prominence and its independence in 1238. Nine kings rules over an expanding area. The city was annexed in 1376 by the rulers of Ayuthaya. The most famous king of the Sukhothai was King Ramkhamhaeng, under which rule the Thai alphabet was developed, and the city's influence extended beyond its borders. Sukhothai is located about 450 kilometers from Bangkok, about halfway betwen Bangkok and Chiangmai.