Historical Dynamics of the Thonburi War

Abstract

            This research studied historical dynamics in terms of cause, context, and strategic analysis for tactical wars fought in Thailand from late Ayutthaya until the end of Thonburi (1703 to 1782)      Kingdoms. Qualitative historical research was done with data gathered from documentary research, analysis, data synthesis, and expert   reviews descriptively analyzed.

            Results were that the last war between Ayutthaya and Burma was primarily caused by the imperial conceptualization and the  problematic ethnic Mon. During the war, under the Burmese siege of Ayutthaya Phraya Tak broke through the Burmese enclave to gather troops from Eastern Seaboard districts and return to drive Burma from Ayutthaya. The newly crowned king established Krung Thonburi as capital, and throughout his reign waged numerous ongoing wars which may be divided into three categories: 1) suppressing political groups claiming power; 2) protecting the kingdom; and 3) expanding royal territory. In terms of war occurences, varied tactical strategies were used, including clamping down, proactivity, cutting off the fight, guns, information, and naval involvement commanded by a young knowledgeable, capable, and loyal leaders. As a result, in most of the conflicts, his side was victorious. In addition, Thonburi War historical dynamics provided significant lessons about division leading to     destruction of the kingdom, negotiations to reduce war damage,   negligence causing military defeat, power instability, and changing historical perceptions. These examples conveyed an historical sense of sacrifices by an ancestral nation, the cost of freedom, and most   significantly, awareness of national independence, continuing until   today.