Burmese–Siamese War (1809–12)

The Burmese–Siamese War (1809–12) was an armed conflict fought between Burma and Siam, during the period of June 1809 and January 1812. The war centered over the control of the tin rich Tenasserim coast and served as the continuation of a long list of Burmese–Siamese wars. The conflict ended in a Siamese victory.

Background

Control of the Tenasserim coast (present-day Mon State and Taninthayi Region in Myanmar) in the early 18th century was divided between Burma and Siam, with the Burmese controlling down to Tavoy (Dawei) and the Siamese controlling the rest. Throughout history, both kingdoms had claimed the entire coast – the Siamese to Martaban, and the Burmese to Junk Ceylon (or Phuket) – and control had changed hands several times. The Burmese Pagan Dynasty controlled the entire coast until 1287. Throughout the 14th and 16th centuries, Siamese kingdoms (first Sukhothai, later Ayutthaya) controlled much of the coast, up to just south of present-day Mawlamyaing. In the mid-16th century, the Burmese under Toungoo kings Tabinshwehti and Bayinnaung tried to regain the coast, first failing in 1548, and finally succeeding in 1564 when they conquered all of Siam for the first time. The Siamese revolted in 1584, and under their king Naresuan regained the lower coast by 1593 and the entire coast by 1594. The Burmese retook the upper coast down to Tavoy in 1614 but failed to recover the rest.

This arrangement lasted until 1740 (although the Siamese unsuccessfully tried to take the upper coast in 1662–64). During this period, Mergui (Myeik) on the Andaman Sea was the primary port of Siam through which its trade with India and the West was conducted.

Conflict

First Burmese invasion

In June 1809, Burmese king Bodawpaya received information concerning the serious illness of the Siamese king Rama I, plans were then made regarding the invasion of the tin rich Siamese Junk Ceylon province. In October 1809, Bodawpaya's chamberlain assembled a force of 30,000 soldiers, 60 war ships and 200 swivel guns in Dawei. The troops were then divided into two columns, the first seized Ranong and Na Toei, moving further into Chumphon where it was defeated an pushed back. The second column embarked on ships and after capturing Takua Pa continued its journey along the coast to Junk Ceylon the countryside of which was seized, with the Mueang Thalang citadel under siege. On 7 August 1809, the Burmese launched their assault on the citadel, storming it six days later, plundering the city and slaughtering the inhabitants. Boats were then loaded with plundered goods and sent to Dawei, part of the fleet was hit by a tempest, enabling a small group of Siamese soldiers to recapture many war boats as well as the Burmese general Chik-ke. The governor of Thalang was replaced for his failure to adequately defend the island and preparation were started in anticipation of new raids.

Second Burmese invasion

On 17 October 1809, Burma raided Takua Thung and Takua Pa which offered no resistance and landed at Junk Ceylon. On the night of 18 November 1809, the Siamese garrison of the Thalang repelled a Burmese assault on the citadel, at the same time 6,000 troops in 80 war ships were attempting to relieve the besieged. The Siamese reinforcements engaged the Burmese outside the island but were completely destroyed after sparks stuck the gunpowder storage of a Siamese ship setting off a powerful explosion. The Burmese managed to regroup and after receiving reinforcements captured the city on 13 January 1810. In the aftermath of Thalang's fall, Burma sent envoys to the Sultanate of Kedah demanding that it resumes sending tributes to Ava, while also assuring the East India Company of its peaceful intentions towards it. Sultan Tajjudin had however already dispatched a fleet in support of Siam, the combined Siamese-Malaysian forces retook the island in March 1810, pushing the invaders into Pak Chan.

Third Burmese invasion

In late May 1810, the Burmese sent another 6,000 man army against Junk Ceylon, the second expedition suffered considerable losses due to storms thus general Zeya Suriya Kyaw headed to Mergui in an attempted supply mission. In the meantime the Burmese continued to suffer from hunger and sickness as the island had been completely devastated from previous fighting. Kyaw's ship was wrecked ashore and he was detained by a Siamese patrol. A Siamese counter offensive expelled the Burmese from the island, who once again fell victim to sea storms off Ban Sakhu.

Fourth Burmese invasion

In late December 1811, Burma landed a 5,000 army on Junk Ceylon encircling Thalang city, Siam gathered a 10,000 man relief which was soon disbanded as the Thalang garrison managed to fend off the invaders. Burmese casualties amounted to more than 4,110 men killed in action as well as 20 war boats and other equipment. Those defeats prompted Burma to abandon any plans of conquering Siam and instead focus on Assam and Manipur.

See also

• Burmese–Siamese wars
• Burma–Thailand relations
• Malaysia–Thailand relations