Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post - 500 years of Portuguese-Siamese relations

Mark · 20th September 2006, 04:49 PM

Hi, Antonio. This is a very interesting commemoration. I know that Portugal played a very significant role in the the history of continental Southeast Asia by virtue of the fact that it had a virtual monopoly on modern weapons technology, and pursued the very wise policy of establishing amicable relations with the kingdoms rather than attempt conquest. This is distinct from the policy pursued on Indonesia, where control of Malacca gave enormous commercial and political power to Portugal in the region (probably making further territorial acquisitions unnecessary).

I was not aware, however, that such a close relationship between Siam and Portugal has lasted to this day. It does make sense, as Portugal, at least officially, consistently took the side of Siam in its conflicts with Burma, often being a critical factor in defending Siam against Burmese invasions (most of the time it was Burma invading Siam).

I posted over on BladesignForum a reply with some detail about de Brito, who is an important historical figure, though unfortunately not one remembered with fondness by the Burmese. Briefly, de Brito came to southern Burma as a cabin boy, and entered the service of the king of Arakan, who at the time controled Lower Burma. Within a couple years he parlayed his knowledge of modern military technology (gun, cannon and gun-powder making, and fort building) into appointment as the governer of the main port of Lower Burma, Syriam. He then declared himself independent, and with the help of the Siamese extended his control over most of Lower Burma, receiving recognition from the Viceroy of Goa as the ruler of Syriam and Lower Burma (along with some men and guns). Its a pretty amazing leverage of technical knowledge into political power. Unfortunately, de Brito was more pirate than diplomat, and showing a great contempt for Buddhism, plundering temples and pagodas. This eventually lead to an uprising against him, backed by the King of Burma, and de Brito ended up impaled on a stake.

De Brito's exploits were atypical for how Portugal handled relations with most East Asian countries, though. Their big asset (at least in Burma and Siam) were weapons for trade, and weapons technology itself, which they used as a basis for establishing firm relations. Military superiority used as a trade commodity, rather than for conquest. Interestingly, there is a group of people in Burma that are descended from Portuguese metallurgists and gunners who entered the service of the king hundreds of years ago, and settled permanently, intermarrying with the Burmese. They apparently remain a distinct community today.

20th September 2006, 04:49 PM	#2
Mark Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 987	Hi, Antonio. This is a very interesting commemoration. I know that Portugal played a very significant role in the the history of continental Southeast Asia by virtue of the fact that it had a virtual monopoly on modern weapons technology, and pursued the very wise policy of establishing amicable relations with the kingdoms rather than attempt conquest. This is distinct from the policy pursued on Indonesia, where control of Malacca gave enormous commercial and political power to Portugal in the region (probably making further territorial acquisitions unnecessary). I was not aware, however, that such a close relationship between Siam and Portugal has lasted to this day. It does make sense, as Portugal, at least officially, consistently took the side of Siam in its conflicts with Burma, often being a critical factor in defending Siam against Burmese invasions (most of the time it was Burma invading Siam). I posted over on BladesignForum a reply with some detail about de Brito, who is an important historical figure, though unfortunately not one remembered with fondness by the Burmese. Briefly, de Brito came to southern Burma as a cabin boy, and entered the service of the king of Arakan, who at the time controled Lower Burma. Within a couple years he parlayed his knowledge of modern military technology (gun, cannon and gun-powder making, and fort building) into appointment as the governer of the main port of Lower Burma, Syriam. He then declared himself independent, and with the help of the Siamese extended his control over most of Lower Burma, receiving recognition from the Viceroy of Goa as the ruler of Syriam and Lower Burma (along with some men and guns). Its a pretty amazing leverage of technical knowledge into political power. Unfortunately, de Brito was more pirate than diplomat, and showing a great contempt for Buddhism, plundering temples and pagodas. This eventually lead to an uprising against him, backed by the King of Burma, and de Brito ended up impaled on a stake. De Brito's exploits were atypical for how Portugal handled relations with most East Asian countries, though. Their big asset (at least in Burma and Siam) were weapons for trade, and weapons technology itself, which they used as a basis for establishing firm relations. Military superiority used as a trade commodity, rather than for conquest. Interestingly, there is a group of people in Burma that are descended from Portuguese metallurgists and gunners who entered the service of the king hundreds of years ago, and settled permanently, intermarrying with the Burmese. They apparently remain a distinct community today.