During the years 1431 – 1863 (B.E. 1974 – 2406), Cambodia claims it was the 'Dark Age' of their history. Why is it considered a dark age, or is Cambodia trying to hide or distort some truths? Today, let’s analyze the facts with reason.
What happened in history in the year 1431 (B.E. 1974)? Let’s consider the historical records of Ayutthaya. This year coincided with the reign of King Borommarachathirat II (Chao Sam Phraya) of the Suphannaphum Dynasty. During this time, he successfully led an army to conquer Angkor Thom of the Khmer(Cambodia) Empire, which had attempted to rebel. This caused the Khmer(Cambodia) to abandon their capital and flee southward, like a dog with its tail between its legs out of fear, marking the beginning of the Dark Age in Cambodian history.
Looking back before 1431: In 1352 (B.E. 1895), King Ramathibodi I (King Uthong) of Ayutthaya sent an army to conquer Khmer(Cambodia) for the first time, and Khmer(Cambodia) submitted to Ayutthaya.
Now, let’s look at the events after 1431. During 1593-1594 (B.E. 2136-2137), King Naresuan the Great led an army to attack and successfully capture Longvek (the Khmer(Cambodia) capital) because the Khmer(Cambodia) often took opportunities to attack Ayutthaya while it was at war with Burma. In this conflict, King Naresuan performed the 'Pathomkam' ceremony (washing his feet with the blood of the captured King of Longvek).
In 1771 (B.E. 2314), during the reign of King Taksin the Great, he ordered Chao Phraya Chakri (later King Rama I) to lead an army to suppress Khmer(Cambodia) because they took the opportunity to attack Chanthaburi and Trat while Thailand was occupied with the Burmese war. The Thai army was able to reach Banteay Meas.
In 1811 (B.E. 2354), King Rama II of the Rattanakosin Kingdom sent an army to quell unrest in Khmer. However, no major battles occurred because Ang Chan fled first, and Thailand withdrew its troops due to conflicts on other fronts.
From 1833 to 1847 (B.E. 2376 – 2390), the Siamese-Vietnamese War occurred. This was one of the most intense and prolonged periods of warfare in Cambodia, as it was a conflict between Siam and Yuan (Vietnam) for influence over Khmer.(Cambodia)The conclusions were:
1. Vietnam agreed to withdraw its forces from Cambodia.
2. Siam allowed Khmer (Cambodia) to send tribute to both Thailand and Vietnam (to maintain a balance of power).
3. Ang Duong (the Khmer(Cambodia) prince supported by Thailand) was crowned King of Cambodia, with the coronation held at Oudong Meanchey under Thai supervision.
The year 1863 (B.E. 2406) marked a major turning point in Siamese history because Khmer (Cambodia) became a French protectorate. On August 11, 1863, King Norodom Prohmbarirak (at that time a vassal of Thailand) signed a protectorate treaty with France.
Finally, let’s look at important events between France and Thailand regarding Khmer(Cambodia). On March 23, 1907 (B.E. 2449/2450), Thailand lost Siem Reap, Sisophon, and Battambang but regained Trat and Koh Kood. (Details can be read at:
history.state.gov/historical…)
The Siamese (Ayutthaya Kingdom) launched multiple attacks on the Khmer Empire during its decline, with the most famous decisive sack of Angkor occurring in 1431,