Makato was an orphan boy in Thailand who worked hard from a young age to support himself. He dreamed of traveling to see the kingdom of Sukhothai and its kind king, Pra Ruang. Makato embarked on a long journey and eventually found work caring for elephants. One day, the king visited and gave Makato a cowrie shell. Makato used the shell to buy lettuce seeds, which he grew and gifted to the king. Impressed by Makato's initiative and work ethic, the king employed him in the palace and Makato rose to become a trusted advisor and later married the king's daughter, becoming the ruler of Mon.