ประวัติศาสตร์ อยุธยา และธนบุรี

The Second Fall of Ayutthaya: Causes and Events

Overview of the Second Fall of Ayutthaya

• The video discusses the second fall of Ayutthaya on April 7, 1767, detailing various causes from both the Ayutthaya and Burmese perspectives.

Burmese Perspective

• The establishment of a new kingdom in Ava by King Alaungpaya aimed to expand influence and power, particularly targeting Ayutthaya for conquest.

• Historical records indicate that despite previously losing independence to Burma, Ayutthaya remained largely intact, prompting Alaungpaya's desire to prevent its resurgence.

• In 1760 (B.E. 2303), Alaungpaya led a significant military campaign against Ayutthaya but died during the siege due to conflicting accounts regarding his death.

Internal Conflicts in Ayutthaya

• Following the death of King Borommakot (the 31st king), succession issues arose as Prince Uthumphon was appointed heir over his elder brother, King Ekkathat, leading to internal strife.

• After only two months on the throne, Uthumphon abdicated in favor of Ekkathat who became the 33rd king amidst ongoing tensions with Burma.

Military Preparations and Strategies

• In response to renewed threats from Burma under King Mangalathra (who harbored resentment for his father's death in Thai territory), preparations were made for defense against an impending invasion.

• The Burmese army employed strategic tactics by advancing from two directions under skilled commanders aiming to encircle and besiege Ayutthaya effectively.

Siege Tactics and Defense Mechanisms

• As Burmese forces began their assault in 1765 (B.E. 2308), they captured several temples outside the city walls establishing multiple camps around Ayutthaya while local residents sought refuge within fortified areas.

• Unlike previous conflicts where flooding would deter invasions, this time Burmese forces were prepared for prolonged engagement without concern for civilian casualties or retreating due to rising waters. They constructed rafts using bamboo for naval assaults against the city walls during floods.

The Fall of Ayutthaya and the Rise of King Taksin

The Siege of Ayutthaya

• Despite the flooding, the Burmese forces did not retreat. They harvested rice from local farms while the people inside Ayutthaya faced starvation as their supplies dwindled after four months.

• At this time, King Taksin was serving as the governor of Kamphaeng Phet but had not yet taken control. His military prowess led to his appointment by King Ekkathat.

• Recognizing that staying in Ayutthaya would lead to defeat due to dwindling supplies, King Taksin gathered 1,000 skilled soldiers and broke through the Burmese siege in early January.

• He aimed eastward towards Chinese communities for reinforcements, declaring his intent to return and reclaim Ayutthaya.

• On April 7, 1767, despite efforts to resist, Ayutthaya fell when Burmese troops breached its walls at dawn.

Aftermath of the Fall

• The fall marked a significant end for Ayutthaya's kingdom as it lost both civilians and soldiers to Burmese captivity. King Ekkathat died during this turmoil while fighting until his last breath.

• This event concluded a 417-year reign for the Kingdom of Ayutthaya and initiated discussions about new Siamese kingdoms post-conquest.

The Journey of King Taksin

• Following his escape from besieged Ayutthaya in January 1767, King Taksin traveled towards eastern cities with minimal resistance from remaining Burmese forces.

• Upon reaching Chanthaburi, he sought to gather strength but faced rejection from local leaders who distanced themselves from fallen Ayutthaya.

• Determined to capture Chanthaburi despite initial failures over nearly a month-long siege with around 1,000 troops.

Strategic Decisions

• On June 10, after enduring hardships without success in capturing Chanthaburi, he instructed his troops to discard all remaining supplies as a psychological tactic before launching another attack that night.

• This strategy proved effective; they successfully captured Chanthaburi on June 10 after seven months of regrouping there before planning an assault on Ayutthaya again.

Reclaiming Ayutthaya

• By November 1767, having amassed approximately 5,000 troops and armed with boats instead of land routes for stealthy movement toward reclaiming their capital city from Burma.

• Engaging in battle against a smaller force (3,000–4,000), which was weakened due to ongoing conflicts elsewhere (notably with China).

• Despite heavy losses previously suffered by Burma during their conquest (including weapons seized), Taksin’s forces managed strategic victories leading up to retaking control over key areas within former territories.

This structured summary encapsulates critical moments surrounding the fall of Ayutthaya and highlights King Taksin's strategic maneuvers leading up to reclaiming power.

Establishment of Thonburi as the New Capital

Reasons for Relocating the Capital

• King Taksin faced a shortage of troops, with only about 5,000 soldiers available to defend Ayutthaya, which was heavily damaged.

• The decision to move the capital to Thonburi was influenced by its existing fortifications and proximity to the Gulf of Thailand, allowing for easier access back to Chanthaburi if needed.

Founding of Thonburi

• On December 28, 2310, King Taksin officially established Thonburi as the new capital for Siamese people after assessing its strategic advantages.

Fragmentation of Siam

• After establishing Thonburi as the capital, Siam was divided into five main factions or "assemblies," each led by different leaders:

• 1st Assembly: King Taksin in Thonburi.

• 2nd Assembly: Chao Phimai in Phimai, Nakhon Ratchasima.

• 3rd Assembly: Chao Phraya Fang near Phitsanulok.

• 4th Assembly: The ruler of Phitsanulok.

• 5th Assembly: Chao Nakhon Si Thammarat in southern Thailand.

Challenges Faced by King Taksin

• The primary challenge for King Taksin was unifying Siam by subduing these five factions and restoring order similar to that during Ayutthaya's reign.

Military Campaigns Against Factions

Initial Military Engagement

• The first campaign targeted Phitsanulok; however, King Taksin underestimated his opponent and failed to defeat them initially. He suffered injuries during this attempt.

Aftermath of Failure at Phitsanulok

• Following his unsuccessful campaign against Phitsanulok's leader (Nai Ruang), who briefly declared himself king before dying shortly thereafter due to illness.

Subsequent Campaign Strategies

Targeting Other Assemblies

• After recovering from his injuries, King Taksin planned a new strategy focusing on subduing other factions like Chao Phraya Fang and Chao Pimai.

Conquest of Phimai

• In a successful campaign against Phimai’s ruler (Prince Thep Pipit), he captured and executed him, consolidating power over that region.

Final Conquests and Unification Efforts

Campaign Against Nakhon Si Thammarat

• Instead of leading personally at first, he sent General Chakri but had to intervene directly when they faced setbacks.

Direct Assault on Nakhon Si Thammarat

• Upon arriving via boat from the Gulf of Thailand, he found that the local ruler had fled upon learning about his arrival. This allowed him to easily capture the city.

Capturing Local Leaders

• General Chakri sought redemption by capturing Nakhon Si Thammarat’s fleeing leader; instead of executing him outright, King Taksin spared him due to political considerations involving marriage alliances.

Consolidation of Power

Final Campaign Against Chao Phraya Fang

• With all other factions subdued within two years, King Taksin turned his attention towards Chao Phraya Fang. His forces successfully defeated this last faction after three days of battle.

Conclusion on Unification Efforts

• During this period while consolidating power in Siam, Myanmar was engaged in conflicts with China which delayed their intervention against Siam until later.

The Struggles and Governance of King Taksin

Initial Challenges in Thonburi

• After capturing Phitsanulok, King Taksin faced challenges as he could not defend Thonburi due to incomplete city walls and a limited army of 12,000 soldiers.

• The assassination of Burmese King Mangra led to chaos in Ava, prompting the Burmese general Aza Wun Ki to retreat, allowing Thonburi to escape imminent attack.

• This period marked a significant survival for Thonburi against Burmese forces amidst internal turmoil in Burma.

Economic Recovery Efforts

• Following the threat from Burma, King Taksin focused on rebuilding Thonburi by addressing economic issues such as hunger and scarcity caused by agricultural failures.

• He initiated measures to alleviate food shortages by using his own funds to purchase rice for distribution among the citizens of Thonburi.

• Taksin encouraged people from Ayutthaya to resettle in Thonburi and implemented agricultural reforms allowing for two rice harvests per year instead of one.

Agricultural Innovations

• To combat food scarcity, Taksin negotiated with Chinese merchants for rice supplies while promoting increased local production through improved farming practices.

• He incentivized citizens to catch rats that were destroying crops by offering rewards for those who could eliminate them effectively.

Addressing Crime and Corruption

• Post-Ayutthaya's fall saw an increase in crime; thus, Taksin took steps against banditry while also managing treasure hunting activities that attracted opportunists.

• The second burning of Ayutthaya involved both Burmese troops and Chinese treasure hunters who desecrated temples while seeking profits from looted artifacts.

Decline of the Thonburi Kingdom

• After 15 years of continuous warfare, King Taksin grew weary. His strict governance led him into conflicts even with his own soldiers due to stress-related decisions.

• Internal strife culminated in a rebellion led by Phaya San, exploiting corruption within tax collection systems which weakened royal authority.

Fall from Power

• During this unrest, King Taksin chose not to retaliate but sought monastic refuge at Wat Arun. This decision allowed Phaya San’s forces to capture him without resistance.

• Following his capture, Phaya San was able to seize control over Thonburi. Subsequently, he was appointed king after defeating the remnants loyal to Taksin.

Execution and Legacy

• Ultimately, King Taksin faced execution via beheading rather than traditional methods. His legacy remains complex due to his fervent Buddhist beliefs juxtaposed with violent actions during his reign.

History of Ayutthaya and King Taksin

The Legacy of King Taksin

• Discussion on the belief that King Taksin may have fled to Nakhon Si Thammarat, where he lived quietly until his death. This idea lacks solid evidence but is widely discussed among locals.

• Historians remain uncertain about the exact circumstances surrounding King Taksin's life in Nakhon Si Thammarat, indicating a lack of definitive historical consensus.

Ayutthaya's Relations with Neighboring Regions

• The construction of Phra That Si Song Rak symbolizes the strong relationship between Ayutthaya and Lan Na, highlighting diplomatic ties through shared cultural symbols.

• During the reign of King Narai, Ayutthaya experienced peak relations with Western nations, while interactions with China were primarily tribute-based.

• Factors influencing Ayutthaya's foreign relations included political and economic considerations; conflicts arose particularly with Lan Na during King Borom Trailokanat’s reign.

Conflicts and Diplomatic Strategies

• France attempted to convert King Narai to Christianity, showcasing the complex interplay between religion and politics in diplomatic relations.

• Most military engagements between Ayutthaya and Burma were defensive due to strategic geographical advantages; this shaped their military tactics significantly.

Economic Policies Under King Taksin

• During his reign, King Taksin implemented agricultural policies such as allowing two rice harvests per year to support both citizens and soldiers economically.

• He successfully quelled various uprisings and encouraged citizens to report rodent infestations for rewards, demonstrating innovative approaches to governance.

Restoration Efforts Post-War

• Following conflicts, King Taksin focused on revitalizing Thonburi by expanding agricultural land for rice cultivation as part of broader economic recovery efforts.