Myanmar–Thailand relations
This article needs additional citations for verification. (January 2020) |
Myanmar |
Thailand |
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Myanmar–Thailand relations refers to the current and historical relations between Myanmar (also known as Burma) and Thailand. Myanmar has an embassy in Bangkok. Thailand has an embassy in Yangon.[1][2] Relations between Burma and Thailand focus mainly on economic issues and trade. There is sporadic conflict with Thailand over three disputed islands.[3]
Country comparison
Official name | the Republic of the Union of Myanmar | Kingdom of Thailand |
---|---|---|
Common name | Myanmar | Thailand |
Flag | ||
Coat of arms | ||
နိုင်ငံတော်သီချင်း | Phleng Chat | |
Population
|
54,205,000 | 70,171,000 |
Area | 676,578 km2 (261,228 sq mi) | 513,115 km2 (198,115 sq mi) |
Population Density
|
81/km2
(365.2/sq mi) |
126/km2 (261.6/sq mi) |
Time zones | 6 | 7 |
Capital
& largest city |
Naypyidaw – 723,000 (1,160,242 Metro) | Bangkok – 8,305,218 (10,696,258 Metro) |
Government | Unitary parliamentary presidential | Unitary parliamentary constitutional |
First leader | Sao Shwe Thaik | Phraya Manopakorn Nititada
|
Current leader | Min Aung Hlaing | Srettha Thavisin |
Official language | Burmese | Thai |
Main religions |
|
|
Ethnic groups | ||
GDP (nominal, 2023 est) | ||
$74,861 | $512,193 | |
$1,381 | $7,298 | |
GDP (PPP, 2023 est) | ||
$258,677 | $1,329,324 | |
$5,124 | $22,491 | |
HDI (2023)
|
0.585 | 0.800 |
Gini (2023)
|
30.7 | 35.0 |
Military history
Burmese–Siamese War (1547-1549)
The Burmese–Siamese war of 1548 was the first of many wars fought between the Burmese of
The war is notable for the introduction of
Burmese–Siamese War (1594–1605)
The Burmese–Siamese War (1594–1605) was the war caused by the vengeance of Siam towards the Burmese rule. King
Burmese–Siamese War (1765–1767)
The Burmese–Siamese War (1765–1767) was the second
This war was the continuation of the
The siege of Ayutthaya began during the first Chinese invasion of Burma. The Siamese believed that if they could hold out until the rainy season, the seasonal flooding of the Ayutthayan central plain would force a retreat. But King Hsinbyushin of Burma believed that the Chinese war was a minor border dispute, and decided to continue the siege. During the rainy season of 1766 (June–October), the battle moved to the waters of the flooded plain but failed to change the status quo.[5] When the dry season came, the Chinese launched a much larger invasion but Hsinbyushin still refused to recall the troops. In March 1767, King Ekkathat of Siam offered to become a tributary but the Burmese demanded an unconditional surrender. On 7 April 1767, the Burmese sacked the starving city for the second time in history, committing atrocities that have left a major black mark on Burmese-Thai relations to the present day. Thousands of Siamese captives were relocated to Burma.
The Burmese occupation was short-lived. In November 1767, the Chinese again invaded with their largest force yet, finally convincing Hsinbyushin to withdraw his forces from Siam. In the ensuing Siamese civil war, Taksin's Thonburi forces emerged the sole winner by mid-1770. The Burmese had also defeated a fourth Chinese invasion by December 1769.
By then, a new stalemate had taken hold. Burma had annexed the lower Tenasserim coast but again failed to eliminate Siam as the sponsor of rebellions in her eastern and southern borderlands. In the following years, Hsinbyushin was preoccupied by the Chinese threat, and did not renew the Siamese war until 1775—only after Lan Na had revolted again with Siamese support. The post-Ayutthaya Siamese leadership proved more than capable; they defeated the next two invasions (1775–1776 and 1785–1786), and annexed Lan Na in the process.
Burmese–Siamese War (1785–1786)
In the south, Bodawpaya was waiting at Three Pagodas Pass. The Front Palace led his troops to the south the counter-attacked the Burmese came from
The Burmese proceeded to capture Songkhla. Upon hearing the news, the governors of Phatthalung fled. However, a monk named Phra Maha encouraged the citizens to turn up their arms against the Burmese. Phra Maha was later raised to nobility by Rama I.
As his armies were destroyed, Bodawpaya retreated, only to renew attacks the next year (1786). Bodawpaya, this time, didn't divide his troops but instead formed into single army. Bodawpaya passed through the Chedi Sam Ong and settled in Ta Din Dang. The Front Palace marched the Siamese forces to face Bodawpaya. The fighting was very short and Bodawpaya was quickly defeated. This short war was called “
19th century relations
In the 19th century, Burma became a colony of the British Empire. This prevented any Burmo - Siamese conflict.
20th century relations
World War II
In 1942, Thailand sent the Phayap Army to occupy the Shan State and Kayah State of Burma. The principal objective of the army commander was to procure opium. Diplomatic relations were established in 1948.
21st century relations
Recently, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva made clear that dialogue encouraging political change is a priority for Thailand, but not through economic sanctions. He also made clear to reconstruct temples damaged in the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis.[7] However, there were tensions over detained opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, with Thailand calling for her release.[8] She was released in 2010.[9]
Disputed territory
As of 2020[update], sovereignty over three Andaman Sea islands remains disputed. The standing agreement, negotiated in February 1982, left undetermined the status of Ginga Island (Ko Lam), Ko Kham, and Ko Ki Nok at the mouth of the Kraburi River (Pakchan River). Subsequent negotiations in 1985, 1989, and 1990 made no progress. The two parties have designated the islands as "no man's land". Ongoing tensions in the area resulted in minor clashes in 1998, 2001, 2003, and 2013.[3]
2010 Burma Border clashes
The 2010 Burma border clashes were a series of ongoing skirmishes between the
Modern political history
Present political relations
In 2018, Senior General
2021 unrests in Thailand and Myanmar
Both Thailand and Myanmar have been in chaos due to protests (
Thailand was a key ally of the junta with former Prime Minister of Thailand Prayut Chan-o-cha using back-channel contacts in mid-2021 to shape Thailand's diplomatic options, especially as it related to ASEAN.[23][24] In 30 June 2022, when the Myanmar Air Force allegedly violated Thai airspace, Thailand scrambled a defense attache. Later, Prayuth said that the incident was "not a big deal."[25] After the 2023 Thai general election, the new Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has shown support for the military's Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement urging all parties in Myanmar to stay on the path for peace and stability.[26]
See also
- Burmese–Siamese wars
- Foreign relations of Thailand
- Foreign relations of Burma
- History of Thailand
- History of Burma
- Myanmar–Thailand border
References
- ^ Burmese embassy in Bangkok Archived 2011-01-01 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Thai embassy in Burma Archived 2011-09-28 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ a b Sophal, Sek (13 January 2020). "New subs sign of troubles to come?" (Opinion). Bangkok Post. Archived from the original on 5 June 2020. Retrieved 13 January 2020.
- ^ "Amphetamine Trade Between Burma and Thailand". Archived from the original on 2017-03-16. Retrieved 2011-01-05.
- ^ a b c Harvey, pp. 250–253[full citation needed]
- ^ Baker, et al., p. 21[full citation needed]
- ^ Abhisit calls for change in Burma, Bangkok Post, January 12, 2009.
- ^ Thai-Burma relations under "unprecedented strain" Archived 2011-08-12 at the Wayback Machine. DVB. June 12, 2009
- ^ Ba Kaung (13 November 2010). "Suu Kyi Freed at Last". The Irrawaddy. Archived from the original on 19 November 2010. Retrieved 2010-11-14.
- ^ "Burma election marred by violence". The Telegraph. 8 November 2010. Archived from the original on 9 November 2010. Retrieved 9 November 2010.
- ^ "Thousands flee Myanmar clashes". Al Jazeera. 8 November 2010. Archived from the original on 9 November 2010. Retrieved 9 November 2010.
- ^ "Civil war threatens following Burma's election". ABC News. November 9, 2010. Archived from the original on 11 November 2010. Retrieved 9 November 2010.
- Channel NewsAsia. Agence France-Presse. 16 February 2018. Archivedfrom the original on 16 February 2018. Retrieved 16 February 2018.
- ^ "Thai marchers link their democracy cause to Myanmar protests - ABC News". ABC News. Archived from the original on 2021-07-22. Retrieved 2021-07-22.
- ^ "Thailand protests: Thousands join huge rally demanding reforms". BBC News. 19 September 2020. Archived from the original on 19 September 2020. Retrieved 22 July 2021.
- ^ "Thai protesters clash with police as Covid-19 cases continue to surge". Archived from the original on 2021-07-22. Retrieved 2021-07-22.
- ^ "Myanmar coup: Generals celebrated amid global fury over massacre". BBC News. 28 March 2021. Archived from the original on 22 July 2021. Retrieved 22 July 2021.
- ^ Paddock, Richard C. (14 March 2021). "Days of Killings and Defiance in Myanmar, with Neither Side Relenting". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 22 July 2021. Retrieved 22 July 2021.
- ^ "Prayut denies helping Tatmadaw". Bangkok Post. Archived from the original on 2022-03-27. Retrieved 2021-07-22.
- ^ "Thai PM Promises to Respect Human Rights of People Fleeing Myanmar Violence". Archived from the original on 2021-07-22. Retrieved 2021-07-22.
- TheGuardian.com. 3 April 2021. Archivedfrom the original on 22 July 2021. Retrieved 22 July 2021.
- ^ "Thailand denies forcing back Myanmar refugees blocked at border". Reuters. 29 March 2021. Archived from the original on 22 July 2021. Retrieved 22 July 2021.
- ^ Macan-Markar, Marwaan (12 May 2021). "Thai PM and Myanmar junta chief stay engaged via back channels". Nikkei Asia.
- ^ Chau, Thompson. "Myanmar's democratic struggle at stake in Thailand's election". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 26 March 2023. Retrieved 2023-03-26.
- ^ "Thailand scrambles fighters after Myanmar jet airspace breach". Reuters. 1 July 2022.
- ^ "Thailand pledges support of National Ceasefire Agreement in Myanmar". Thai PBS World. 16 October 2023.