Original subtitles

Disclaimer

The series "The Empress of Ayodhaya"

was inspired by the history of Thao Sri Sudachan.

The events, characters, behaviors, and details in this story

are interpreted, expanded upon, or newly created

for entertainment purposes

and are not entirely based on true historical events.

The creators are aware that some events

or actions may spark criticism,

but we affirm that the production

of "The Empress of Ayodhaya"

was made with good intentions. Beyond entertainment,

the aim is to encourage viewers to take an interest in history.

After watching, if viewers are interested,

they can seek additional knowledge from experts

or historians to gain accurate understanding of Ayutthaya history.

These two are Khun Phong, who oversees the inner shrine,

and Khun Ban, who takes care of the outer shrine.

My name is Wamon,

a Brahmin descendant from Lavo.

So, you’re the one

the Royal Brahmin teacher recommended.

You seem strong

and clever.

I have studied the three Vedas,

mastered historical records,

and can read and write fluently in both Khmer and Sanskrit.

Very well. You shall assist Khun Ban here

in overseeing the outer shrine

and translating the Devanagari texts

into Thai for the King.

I shall serve the King with all my might.

Brahmin Wamon,

the Queen Consort has arrived.

Brahmin,

I’ve come to seek blessing.

I will prepare the ritual, Your Majesty.

You may leave now.

I never thought you’d make it into the palace.

My father introduced me

to the Royal Brahmin.

- Do they know about us? - No.

Only as acquaintances.

Ever since you gave birth to the Prince,

we haven’t seen each other.

- I cannot go anywhere. - I know.

That’s why I risked coming to see you.

Jinda,

the time has come.

Jinda,

I didn’t call for you.

Why are you here?

Because it’s time, Your Majesty.

Prince Yod Fah is about to rest,

so I brought him to bid goodnight to you.

Look my Son.

This vast land

will one day

be yours.

Hongsawadi and Lan Chang

are expanding their power southward,

aiming to capture Ayodhaya as their port city.

Do you know that?

And the northern cities

show signs of rebellion as well.

But you have nothing to fear.

As long as I am here,

no one will harm you.

Please allow me to take Prince Yod Fah back, Your Majesty.

Take the Prince to his cradle.

I’ll be there shortly.

I shall prepare a special tea for you, Your Majesty.

Go ahead and do it.

You’ve been taking care of both me

and Prince Yod Fah,

even staying up late.

I’m grateful.

It is my duty, Your Majesty.

Here is your tea, Your Majesty.

Jinda,

what worries your heart?

Is it the thought of war?

Even if our enemies charge in,

as long as I’m here,

Ayodhaya

will never fall.

Our son, Yod Fah,

will sit on the throne

as the next King.

What's wrong?

This is the wrong tea.

This isn’t what I asked for.

- I-- - Silence!

This tea

is unworthy to serve.

Throw it out.

My apologies, Your Majesty.

I will prepare

a new one immediately.

Never mind.

There’s no need.

Jinda,

you must be very tired.

It’s alright.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Wait.

Lady Tanyong.

Aren’t you a royal maid from the King’s chambers?

Why are you crying?

You should have finished it.

Acting all confused like this,

if the King suspects it,

- we’ll all lose our heads. - I couldn’t do it.

If the King dies,

who will protect Ayodhaya?

My child is still so young.

How can he survive such dangers?

By hesitating like this, the maids will become suspicious.

What will you say to justify your actions?

Your Majesty.

Here you are.

I just

misunderstood earlier. Please don't mind me.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Did you throw out

the remaining tea?

Uh, well…

I told you to throw it away.

Well,

I was about to,

but…

Lady Tanyong took the tea.

What should we do now?

If Lady Noi takes the tea for inspection,

she’ll discover the poison.

Then she will know

I tried to assassinate the King.

That is dangerous.

We can’t leave it like this.

I never thought

the Queen Consort would invite me to go rowing.

There’s something I wish to discuss.

Let’s go quickly.

My Lady.

It’s alright Thongdee.

I wish to talk with the Queen Consort too.

While the nobles are conversing,

we shall wait here.

No one else is here.

You can call me Jinda as before.

What do you want to discuss, Lady Jinda?

I noticed

you’ve taken an interest in my tea.

So, I thought

I’d brew you a special cup.

The cat is dead now, my Lady.

If I drink this tea

and nothing happens,

then that’s fine.

But if I drink it

and something goes wrong,

the secret message I found on Heuang’s body

will be delivered to the King immediately.

You…

You secretly communicated with someone outside the palace.

Heuang found out and was murdered.

If the King reads the contents of the message,

he will undoubtedly know

that the owner of the letter

is none other

than your lover.

He is not my lover.

He is

my first

and only love.

We were forced apart

because of my duty here.

Duty?

Is your duty to assassinate the King?

Or are you

- not afraid of losing your head? - Being born into royalty

is like being a piece on a chessboard, Lady Noi.

If we don’t kill them,

they’ll kill us.

So why should I be afraid?

You aim to take the throne,

and I,

a mere pawn in your way,

- am meant to die, right? - Lady Noi…

Lady Noi.

- Let go of it. - Let go of it.

Let go of it!

You are not my enemy.

Even if the Suphannaphum dynasty falls

and the Lavo dynasty rises to power,

Nakhon Si Thammarat

will still remain an ally.

Lady Noi,

the pieces on this chessboard

don’t kill from the same side.

Then,

this tea is no longer needed.

We're in trouble!

- The boat is leaking! - Lady Noi!

Help! The boat is leaking!

- Lady Noi! - Help! The boat is leaking.

Lady Noi, stay calm.

- Stay calm, Lady Noi! - Help!

Lady Noi.

Lady Noi.

It’s alright now.

You’re alright now.

Lady Noi, Lady Noi.

Lady Noi.

Calm down Lady Noi.

Everything is fine now. It’s all okay.

Lady Noi.

Lady Noi, everything’s alright.

Everything’s fine.

It's alright.

It's alright.

Don’t scream.

Everything is fine now.

It's alright.

I’m glad we didn’t have to harm each other.

I didn’t want to hurt you.

He was your first love,

and as for you,

you are my first.

Lady Noi…

Since the day I was born,

I never felt affection for anyone

until I met you.

If you report this

to the King,

I will be severely punished.

But I tell you this,

to show my sincerity.

From this day on,

your secret is safe with me,

and my secret will be safe with you.

Let us be

as sworn siblings, Lady Noi.

I don’t understand.

We sacrificed

and parted ways, hoping to accomplish something great.

Or have all these years changed your heart?

I have never changed.

I keep my word.

- I love only you. - Then why didn’t you kill him?

You said we would reclaim the throne for our dynasty.

Or have you forgotten your promise,

- now that you are Queen Consort? - No.

I haven’t forgotten.

But now,

the northern cities are showing signs of rebellion.

If the King dies, Ayodhaya will surely fall into chaos.

Wamon,

my child is still so young.

If the King dies,

Khun Phirenthorathep

may raise his army

and take the throne.

I beg of you,

please wait

until my child is older.

Please.

Wamon…

Fine,

I will wait.

When the time comes, if you cannot do it,

then I will do it myself.

THREE YEARS LATER

Mother, let's return to the palace.

Prince Yod Fah, are you afraid of the cannons?

It’s always like this the first time.

If he hears it often, he will grow accustomed to it.

Hear it often?

Do you really suggest I purchase cannons from Sezias?

Portuguese cannons are powerful.

Ayodhaya needs them

to prevent anyone from defying Your Majesty.

Let's go.

What's the matter?

You seem troubled, as if keeping secrets.

Military affairs are not for women.

The Queen Consort meddling in state matters

defies tradition.

The Queen Consort is wise

and learned in governance.

The King appreciates her greatly.

You know well

that the King, being a warrior,

does not strictly follow the old traditions.

A woman too clever is dangerous to men.

The Queen descends from the Lavo-Ayodhaya line.

Even though Lopburi no longer wields power,

her knowledge of politics

has been nurtured from a young age,

and for what purpose?

The Queen is like a sharp blade

sent from Lopburi

to serve at the King’s side.

I'm afraid

if the King isn’t careful, it could become dangerous.

I also

have never fully trusted her either.

If you feel this way,

keep a close watch on her.

If anything seems suspicious,

we will stop it before it grows.

What's wrong with me taking an interest in political matters?

One day,

my son will sit on the throne.

How could I simply stand by?

Wamon…

Wamon,

are you listening to me?

Chaophraya Mahasena

commands the military,

and Khun Phirenthorathep is the King’s favorite.

Whatever they suggest, the King follows.

We cannot spare them.

I fear they may become a threat to us.

Then deal with them.

Khun Phirenthorathep

holds the title of Chief of the Royal Guard,

and he’s a skilled warrior.

Getting rid of him

won’t be easy.

Don’t worry,

I already have a plan.

I must discuss important matters with Mr. Seixas,

head of the mercenary forces.

The Governor of Chiang Kran behaves this way?

Does he dare defy me?

Your Majesty,

the Governor of Chiang Kran has failed to send the required tribute.

This is a blatant act of rebellion against Ayodhaya.

If left unchecked,

others may follow.

Chiang Kran is a strategic city, close to the Gulf of Mottama,

which is an important trading port.

If we don’t keep it under our control,

in the future,

if someone else takes it,

it could become a powerful competitor in trade.

Khem,

take my command

and prepare the troops.

We march on Chiang Kran.

At your command, Your Majesty.

Is Ayodhaya going to war?

Jinda,

why are you here at the front?

Your Majesty has been working tirelessly here

without rest or food.

As your wife,

how could I remain in the palace in comfort?

It’s good that you’ve come.

Go and command the palace

to prepare provisions.

Yes, Your Majesty.

I will ensure everything is ready by next month.

The Royal Astrologer has not yet chosen an auspicious date.

How do you know I will march next month?

Next month begins the eleventh month,

the dry season

with no rain. The water levels will be high.

Ideal for both land

and naval warfare.

King Tabengshweti also has his eye on Chiang Kran.

We must strike first,

as soon as possible.

The best time to act

is when victory is certain.

If you want to win,

you must march

next month.

Look at that Khem.

I have Jinda as my precious wife,

and you as my most trusted general.

With the two of you,

I fear no one.

That’s not enough.

You need

Portuguese cannons

to ensure

Ayodhaya’s victory.

With all due respect

Your Majesty.

The auspicious date

for the march has been set.

It will be on Saturday, the 12th day of the waxing moon in the eleventh month,

at the third hour.

Khun Phirenthorathep

will lead the vanguard,

while I will follow with the main Royal Army.

Phraya Mahasena,

you will command the rearguard

to reinforce the main forces.

At Your Majesty’s command.

Domingos de Seixas,

head of the Portuguese mercenaries,

will accompany me with the Portuguese troops.

Your men, armed with matchlock guns,

will strengthen Ayodhaya's forces.

Together,

we shall crush

Chiang Kran.

I congratulate you Seixas,

on serving closely with the King.

I owe my success

to you.

Not at all.

Your success

is due to the grace of Queen Srisudachan.

Remember this well.

Queen Srisudachan has shown mercy to you.

Soon,

you will be entrusted with great tasks.

If you remain loyal

and follow her commands,

your fame and fortune in Ayodhaya

will rival anyone's.

The King will lead the fleet

from Ayodhaya,

heading towards Phromburi

to rendezvous with Khun Phirenthorathep’s forces at Bang Phutsa.

BANG PHUTSA

You must station our men in ambush there.

Act as if you intend to attack upon His Majesty’s arrival.

We don’t have enough men

to harm the King.

My target

is Khun Phirenthorathep.

You must prepare the gunmen

to feign defense of the King.

In doing so,

the Portuguese will earn His Majesty’s favor,

and Khun Phirenthorathep will be eliminated in the process.

Instead of wasting our own Lopburi men,

we will use Seixas to assassinate both the King

and Khun Phirenthorathep at once.

Will you really have the Portuguese

kill the King?

All I ask is that

you promise them titles

and permission to build churches

to worship their God freely.

With that, the Portuguese and their guns

will follow your every command.

No.

- Why not? - Because I said no.

We can’t kill the King yet.

- The time hasn’t come. - When will it come?

You’ve delayed this so many times.

When exactly will you act?

What's wrong?

I could hear from outside.

Khun Phirenthorathep is the King’s favorite

and a maternal relative.

If he’s killed, the King won’t remain silent.

He’ll tear the kingdom apart to find the culprit.

Brahmin Wamon is right.

If you kill Khun Phirenthorathep,

you must also kill the King.

- I told you already-- - Why are we here?

You know it.

You’ve postponed for years without acting.

Or have you grown too soft-hearted?

- Don’t insult me like that. - Then explain yourself

why…

Your Majesty,

I heard loud noises.

Did Brahmin Wamon

do something to displease you?

I was performing a lamp offering ceremony,

and

Brahmin Wamon was assisting me

in praying for the King.

- But I heard-- - The ceremony is over.

Tubtim, let’s go.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Your Majesty,

I saw

Brahmin Wamon

act disrespectfully toward you.

Brahmin Wamon is my father's man.

I see him

as a brother.

His standing beside me

is no offense.

Your Majesty may show mercy,

but this violates palace law

and cannot be overlooked.

The Queen has asked

for clemency,

so I only flogged you as a lesson.

From now on,

you are dismissed

from overseeing the outer shrine.

You must leave the royal court of Ayodhaya

before dawn tomorrow.

Where are you going, Your Majesty?

I’m going to see Wamon.

If you are seen,

everyone involved will face execution,

including you.

Are you willing to risk it?

Please think carefully before you act.

Do not let your emotions lead.

He suffers because of me,

both in body and spirit.

If I don’t go apologize,

how could I live with myself?

- Move aside. - No.

- Move, let me pass. - No.

If you step over this threshold,

I won't be alive when you return.

Tubtim!

Wamon,

I have not yet had the chance

to request clemency for you.

His Majesty

is going to war.

When he returns,

I will find a way

to have you reinstated.

You are my strength.

Without you by my side,

I can’t go on alone.

My heart

belongs to you and you alone.

Is it done?

Is this my name?

Your name is Jinda,

and this seal bears the image of a precious gem.

When we are apart,

if I wish to send you a letter,

I will use this seal

to ensure you know the messages are truly from me.

Wamon.

Wamon.

The King’s forces

are nearing Chiang Kran.

Father, please send our men to deliver this message to Seixas.

A message?

A message from Queen Srisudachan.

IF YOU SUCCEED, NO MATTER WHAT YOU DESIRE, I WILL GRANT IT TO YOUR SATISFACTION.

Queen Srisudachan

has issued an order to Domingo de Seixas,

the leader of the Portuguese mercenaries.

"You are to assassinate the individuals who are my enemies,

as instructed by Brahmin Wamon.

If you succeed,

no matter what you desire in Ayodhaya,

I will grant it to your satisfaction."

Your Majesty,

there is a message from Chiang Kran.

As a token of gratitude to all

who have fought alongside me,

enduring hardships without complaint,

I shall reward

every general, officer, and soldier

with an amount equal

to your yearly wages.

It is a great royal kindness, Your Majesty.

King Chairachathirat has won the battle

and killed the King of Chiang Kran.

Did you not order the Portuguese

to assassinate the King?

Why has this happened?

Someone has betrayed me.

Brahmin Wamon,

I requested a young man to attend to me,

but I never expected it to be you.

Traitor,

why did you not follow orders?

What are you saying?

- I did-- - If you did,

why is the King victorious and returning from war?

- I followed the Queen’s orders. - Lies.

The content of the message

was to kill the King.

No, that is not true.

Listen to me, Brahmin Wamon.

I did not lie.

There were two messages.

After the first one arrived, this second message

followed a few days later.

I order you

to use your skills

and the power of your firearms

to fully protect

King Chairachathirat.

If the king returns to Ayodhaya

victorious and unharmed,

I shall reward you

and your companions

to your satisfaction.

I don’t understand.

You are now the Queen consort,

more powerful than any woman in Ayodhaya.

What more do you seek to gain by claiming the throne?

I am not doing this for myself.

I do it for my father.

Sooner or later,

Ayodhaya will have a king with half Lavo blood,

which is Prince Yod Fah.

Or are you not satisfied?

Do you intend

to kill the King

to reunite with your lover?

Is that your true goal?

She told me she only needed time

to wait for Prince Yod Fah to grow up.

That’s just a lie to deceive fools.

You were arrogant and ignored what I said.

If Prince Yod Fah were your child,

she wouldn’t have delayed this long.

But I don’t believe she’s changed.

I will speak to her and discover the truth.

How will you get there?

You’ve been banished from the Royal Palace.

Ok Khun, this way Sir.

This way.

I still have a way.

Here, harder.

Huh.

You…

You two, leave.

So, this is the one in charge of the outer

and inner shrines?

If the Lord Chamberlain finds out

that you two

have secretly indulged in forbidden acts,

you’ll both be flogged with leather whips

and branded around your necks for shame.

I surrender! I surrender!

What do you want?

I’ll give you anything.

Since returning from the battlefield,

Your Majesty hasn’t had a proper night’s sleep.

I must have committed many sins.

Your Majesty, I’ve obtained special incense from the Portuguese.

They say it has extraordinary properties.

The smoke can heal

and bring relaxation.

What else?

With your royal permission,

I wish to summon the Royal Musicians, Your Majesty.

I have arranged

for the Royal Musicians to perform a lullaby

to help ease you into sleep.

Who are you?

I don’t recognize your face.

With all due respect,

I am

Wamon, ranked Phanbutsrithep,

caretaker of the outer shrine.

With your permission, I will perform a musical piece

and tell a tale for your entertainment.

To claim the throne of Ayodhaya, many more must die.

If they do not die, then we will.

People in the palace have died without any trace or cause.

Chom is not the first.

I humbly request royal permission

to bring someone in to be presented before you, Your Majesty.

Wait for the day when the bloodline of Lavo

shall sit upon the throne of Ayodhaya.

Prince Yod Fah is not in the royal chamber, Your Majesty.

Your Majesty, Chuen and I will search for him immediately…

My child has disappeared.

Why can’t I go too?

Subtitle translation by: Panuwat Baikeawon