SIAM - MYANMAR RELATIONS FROM THE 16TH TO THE 19TH CENTURY THROUGH THE PERSPECTIVE OF AYEDAWBON TREATISES

Abstract

Previously, Ayedawbon is little known to outside scholars. In the field of Myanmar-Thai relations, most scholars pay much attention to Chronicles but they conveniently forget Ayedawbons. In fact, Ayedawbon treatises are a mine of information for scholars of Myanmar and Thai studies. This thesis first introduces Ayedawbon treatises to Thai scholars as well as international academic circle. This thesis surveys seven Ayedawbon treatises and provides a translation of excerpts involving Myanmar–Siam warfare. It covers 5 periods ruled by successive dynasties of Myanmar kings: Pinya and Innwa period, corresponding to the period of the reigns of the early kings of Ayutthaya and Lanna, Taungoo period, corresponding to the period of the reign of King Maha Chakkraphat until King Naresuan, Nyaung Yan period, and Konboung period which corresponds to that of King Ekathat. If all these Ayedawbons combined, they registered the continuous events from 1284-1760, thus providing uninterrupted history for the scholars of both countries. This thesis exposed many unknown historical facts which we have never found in Myanmar chronicles and other sources. It contributed to the better understanding of histories between Siam and Myanmar. The study also found out many significant historical events, attitudes and ways of thinking of the authors of Ayedawbons which is somewhat related to the celebrated concepts of Cakravartin (king of kings) and mandala (sphere of royal influence). This study will be a good example of using one of Myanmar literary forms in the field of Thai Studies. It opens a new perspective for both Thai and outside scholars. Besides Ayedawbon treatises, there are a variety of genres in Myanmar literature such as Eigyin, Mawgun, Pyo, etc. They are little studied and there was no one who tried to use these materials for wide-ranging research on Siam-Myanmar relations. Research work on these existing materials would yield to valuable results.