Siam-Myanmar relations through the perspective of the Royal Orders of Burma

Introduction

Surveying the historiography of Siam-Myanmar relations, one finds that Myanmar literature has been used profusely by native as well as foreign scholars, including Thai historians. For instance, parts of the Hmanan Yazawindawgyi (Glass Palace Chronicle) were translated by the Thai Prince Naradhip as Pra Ratcha Phongsawadan Bhama (The Burmese Chronicles) in 1913. Phra Phraison Salaruk (a.k.a. U Aung Thein) translated some sections involving Siam-Myanmar warfare from the Hmanan Yazawindawgyi into English, publishing some of his work in the Journal of the Siam Society (1908–1919).¹ Similarly, in constructing Thai history, Prince Damrong, a highly respected historian, consulted the Hmanan Yazawindawgyi while compiling his influential book Thai Rop Phama (Our wars with the Burmese).

Major-General Chanya Prachitromrau wrote a six volume semi-popular history mainly concerned with warfare between the two countries.² With regard to recent developments in Siam-Myanmar relations, Dr. Sunait Chutintaranond has published several research works. In his book, On Both Sides of the Tenasserim Range, he pointed out that Mawgun, Eigyin, Yazawin (Chronicles) and Ayedawbon kyans are all invaluable sources for understanding Myanmar-Siam warfare; they provide details not found in Thai documents.³

Within the many genres of Myanmar literature, in both prose and poetic forms, the Royal Orders have tremendous scholarly value. They offer an important record of historical events, second in significance to the chronicles themselves. Royal Orders, as the name implies, are written commands and instructions given by the king regarding what should be done and how one should go about doing it.⁴ Royal Orders deal with matters such as the appointment of central and provincial officials, taxation law, salaries, trade, coinage, customs duties, continuation of land titles, mobilization for war and religious reforms, among others.⁵ Thus the Royal Orders are important source materials for the study of the systems of governance of successive Myanmar dynasties. There are almost 5,850 Orders in extant now. These Orders date from the ancient times to the fall of the Konbaung dynasty in 1885, and cover administrative, social and cultural aspects of the country. Although there are many works by Myanmar scholars on the Royal Orders, they rarely highlight issues of Siam-Myanmar relations.

Some important events which are not mentioned in chronicles come to light in the Royal Orders. For example, although the Hmanan Yazawindawgyi (Glass Palace Chronicle) only describes the advances against Lampang and Pa Sang,⁶ a Royal edict dated 21 July 1787 and many other Orders relating to the campaign make it clear that an advance on Bangkok formed the main part of the campaign.⁷

Programme submitted by Wungyi (Ministers), Atwin Wuns (Officers of the Interior) and Wun su yas (Leaders of groups in the service of king), on campaign against Yodaya⁸ city, is approved.

Min Hla Kyaw Htin shall be entrusted with the Royal order and march to Mottama⁹ immediately. He shall take with him all necessary instructions both ordinary as well as secret.

Taungbet-Taik Wun¹⁰ and Lamaing Wun¹¹ accompanied by their followers shall come to the Royal foot. They shall entrust the charge of their places to members of horse and gun groups.¹²

We also find that there are many other Royal Orders which support this important historical fact. For example, a Royal Order dated 19 August 1787 clearly stated that Naymyo Thin Hkaya, with a force of 31,275, was to advance on Bangkok by the Bi Lauk Da Yaik (Three Pagodas Pass) route while Letya Thingyan, with 15,743 men, was to march on Chiang Mai via Yun Zalin and Zin Me (Chiang Mai). Thus, by studying the Royal Orders, scholars of Myanmar and Thai studies can access richer source materials.

Following a brief introduction about the Ameintdaw (Royal Orders of Kings), I will describe the work of three influential Myanmar scholars. After that, I will provide a brief background of Siam-Myanmar relations. I shall then turn to discuss selected Royal Orders of Myanmar Kings, namely Bayintnaung, Alaungpaya, Bodawpaya, and Bagyidaw. I shall conclude with...