This is somewhat related to the top 10 historical figures thread - I noticed there were a fair few lists that largely included people from the poster's own country. So, I ask people to name the top 10 most influential (not necessarily for good or bad, it's your choice), greatest, most prominent etc. figures in your country's history. They don't necessarily have to be from your country, but they should have had a significant effect on it.
With my Thai hat on: King Ramkhamhaeng
- a king of Sukothai and the creator of Thai script, although this is now disputed King Mongkut (Rama IV)
- the Thai king depicted in The King and I, played by Yul Brynner. He did a lot to modernise Siam and open it up to the West. Kong Chulalongkorn (Rama V)
- the son of King Mongkut, it was primarily due to him that Thailand was never colonised, although not free of influence. He played the British and French off each other masterfully. King Buddha Yotfa Chulaloke (Rama I)
- founder of the Chakri dynasty, who drove out the Burmese invaders who had caused the collapse of the kingdom of Ayutthaya. Field Marshal Pibul Songkram
- the facist military dictator of the 30s and WW2 period. He began the tradition of military coups in Thai politics and allied with the Japanese, but did end the absolute monarchy and modernised the country. He also beat the French in a war, but then again, didn't we all? King Naresuan
- a king of Ayutthaya who extended the kingdom to the height of its power, and conquered many territories which are now incorporated into modern Thailand. King Narai
- the king of Ayutthaya under whom foreign influence in the kingdom reached new heights. Under him, Thai diplomats came into contact with the court of Louis XIV. Constantine Phaulkon
- a Greek adventurer who was the virtual chancellor of the kingdom under Narai. He helped Thailand balance foreign interests in the country.
A special mention goes to Phaulkon's wife, Maria Guimar de Pinha (known in Thai as "Thao Thong Kip Ma", which I *think* means "Golden Feet Guimar, but I could be wrong about that). After Phaulkon's execution by King Petracha, she was condemned to slavery in the royal kitchens, but rose to become head cook, and more importantly, introduced elements of Portuguese cooking into Thai sweets. She is responsible for many of the delicious egg-based sweets in modern Thai cuisine.
Now with my British hat on... god, where do I begin?