Burmese–Siamese wars facts for kids
The Burmese–Siamese wars, also known as the Yodian wars, were a long series of conflicts between two powerful kingdoms in Southeast Asia: Burma and Siam. These wars happened over many centuries, from the 1500s to the 1800s. They shaped the history and borders of both countries. These conflicts were often about who would control important trade routes, valuable resources, and smaller kingdoms in the region.
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Why did Burma and Siam fight?
A long history of conflict
Burma and Siam were often rivals. Both kingdoms wanted to be the most powerful in the region. This led to many battles over land, resources, and control over smaller states like Lan Na (in modern-day northern Thailand). Sometimes, the wars were about defending their own lands, and other times, they were about expanding their empires.
The Toungoo Dynasty vs. Ayutthaya Kingdom
The first major period of these wars involved the Toungoo Dynasty of Burma and the Ayutthaya Kingdom of Siam. These were some of the most intense conflicts.
The War over the White Elephants (1563–1564)
One famous war was called the War over the White Elephants. White elephants were seen as very special and sacred animals. The Burmese king, Bayinnaung, asked the Siamese king for some white elephants. When the Siamese king refused, it became a reason for war. Burma invaded Siam and successfully captured its capital, Ayutthaya. This made Siam a vassal, meaning it had to obey Burma.
Siam fights for freedom (1584–1593)
After being under Burmese control, Siam wanted its independence back. In 1584, Siam declared itself free. This led to many more battles. The Burmese tried to invade Siam five times, but each time, the Siamese forces pushed them back. This period showed Siam's strength and determination to be free.
Siam expands its power (1593–1600)
After defending their independence, Siam went on the attack. They invaded Burma and took control of coastal areas like Tenasserim. They also gained influence over Lan Na, making it a vassal of Siam around 1602.
Burma regains lost lands (1609–1622)
Later, Burma's Nyaungyan Dynasty worked to restore its power. They managed to take back areas like Martaban and Tavoy from Siam in 1613. They also regained control of Lan Na in 1614.
More battles for control (1662–1701)
The wars continued with both sides trying to gain an advantage. Siam briefly captured parts of the Tenasserim coast and even Chiang Mai (in Lan Na) in the 1660s, but they were eventually driven back. These wars showed that neither side could easily defeat the other for long.
The Konbaung Dynasty vs. Ayutthaya Kingdom
The end of Ayutthaya (1759–1767)
A new powerful dynasty, the Konbaung Dynasty, rose in Burma. They launched major invasions against Siam.
The Fifth Siege of Ayutthaya (1759–1760)
Burma invaded Siam and took control of the Tenasserim coastal region. They even laid siege to the Siamese capital, Ayutthaya. However, the Burmese king was injured and fell ill, so they had to return home.
The Sixth Siege of Ayutthaya (1765–1767)
This was a very important war. Burma invaded Siam again with a huge army. They surrounded Ayutthaya for a long time. In 1767, the Burmese finally captured and destroyed Ayutthaya. This event ended the Ayutthaya Kingdom, which had existed for over 400 years. Siam was left in a state of civil war, with no clear ruler.
The Konbaung Dynasty vs. Thonburi Kingdom
Siam rises again (1775–1776)
After the fall of Ayutthaya, a new Siamese leader, King Taksin, emerged. He managed to unite Siam and establish the Thonburi Kingdom.
Siam takes control of Lan Na (1775–1776)
During this time, Lan Na declared its independence from Burma with help from King Taksin. Burma tried to invade Lan Na and Siam again. However, after the Burmese King Hsinbyushin died, the Burmese armies pulled back. This allowed Siam to take control of Lan Na, ending over 200 years of Burmese rule there.
The Konbaung Dynasty vs. Rattanakosin Kingdom
The Nine Armies' War (1785–1786)
A new Siamese dynasty, the Rattanakosin Kingdom, was established with its capital in Bangkok. Burma, under King Bodawpaya, launched a massive invasion known as the "Nine Armies' War." Burma sent nine different armies to attack Siam from various directions. However, Siam successfully defended its territory and defeated the Burmese.
Battles for the Tenasserim Coast (1788–1794)
Siam tried to regain the Tenasserim coast, including areas like Tavoy and Mergui, which were important for trade. They launched invasions in 1788 and again from 1792 to 1794, but Burma successfully defended these territories.
Battles for Lan Na (1797–1805)
Burma continued to try and regain control of Lan Na. In 1797, Burma invaded Lan Na and besieged Chiang Mai. The city was captured, but with help from the Siamese King Rama I, the local ruler Kawila managed to recapture it. Siam and its allies then attacked a Burmese stronghold at Chiang Saen and drove them out in 1805.
Burma's last major invasion (1809–1812)
Burma made one last significant attempt to invade Siam, trying to capture Junk Ceylon (modern-day Phuket island). However, the Siamese forces successfully repelled the Burmese attacks in both 1810 and 1812.
The First Anglo-Burmese War (1824–1826)
This war was mainly between Burma and the United Kingdom. Siam was a British ally. During this time, Siam briefly invaded Burma, but the main conflict was between Burma and the British.
The last major conflict (1849–1855)
The final major conflict between Burma and Siam happened when Siam tried to take over Kengtung and Chiang Hung. However, local leaders resisted, and Burma's armies eventually drove out the Siamese forces in 1855. After this, the focus of both kingdoms shifted due to the growing influence of European powers in the region.
See more
- Burma–Thailand relations
- Military history of Myanmar
- Military history of Thailand
- History of Burma
- History of Thailand
- List of wars involving Myanmar
- List of wars involving Thailand
- Siamese–Vietnamese wars
