Hassan II of Morocco vs Thai Sa

Hassan II became King of Morocco upon the death of his father, Mohammed V. He inherited a newly independent country and quickly consolidated power, establishing an authoritarian monarchy that would rule for decades.

Hassan II's regime engaged in widespread human rights abuses, including arbitrary arrests, torture, and forced disappearances of political opponents. This period, known as the Years of Lead, lasted for decades and suppressed dissent.

Hassan II survived a coup attempt by military officers during his birthday party at the Skhirat palace. A second attempt occurred in 1972 when rebel air force pilots attacked his plane. Both failed, and he subsequently purged the military.

Hassan II organized the Green March, a mass demonstration of 350,000 unarmed Moroccans who marched into the Spanish-controlled Western Sahara. This forced Spain to negotiate, leading to Morocco's annexation of the territory.

Under pressure from domestic and international criticism, Hassan II initiated limited constitutional reforms. These included expanding the powers of parliament and improving human rights, though the monarchy retained ultimate authority.

Thai Sa became king of Ayutthaya after the death of his father, King Suriyenthrathibodi. His reign focused on religious patronage and internal stability.

Thai Sa ordered the restoration of Wat Phra Si Sanphet, the holiest temple in Ayutthaya. The restoration included gilding the main chedi and repairing monastic buildings, reinforcing Buddhist patronage.

Thai Sa oversaw the compilation and revision of Siamese laws, resulting in the Three Seals Law code. This legal code standardized judicial procedures and remained in use until the 19th century.

Thai Sa built Wat Kudi Dao, a Buddhist temple in Ayutthaya. The temple featured a distinctive prang (tower) and became a center for Buddhist learning.