Warfare and Depopulation of the Trans-Mekong BasinChan’s refusal to comply with Bangkok’s demand was understand-
able, since none of the rulers wanted to lose their manpower. Bangkok’s
requirement directly decreased the number of guards and revenue sup-
pliers available for the Cambodian government. The lack of manpower
was a key factor that hindered the Cambodian monarch from strength-
ening his power over local and external rivals.
The weaker state thus looked for outside assistance from another
powerful neighbour. Thereafter the rise of Vietnamese power in the east,
especially after the Nguyen dynasty finally defeated the three-decade-
long Tayson rebellion in 1802, offered the chance for Chan to decline
such compulsory demands of Bangkok. In 1812, due to the conflict
between Chan and his half-brothers, he moved from Oudong to reside
in Phnom Penh, which the Vietnamese warships could approach more
easily than Oudong. Oudong, on the other hand, was accessible to the
Siamese army stationed in Battambang. The Vietnamese strengthened
the city of Phnom Penh by building a citadel and storehouses.^29 They
began to intrude into and monopolise Cambodian affairs. After Chan
died in 1835, Queen Mei (r. 1835–40) and her younger sisters were
under full custody in South Vietnam. By the reign of Emperor Minh
Mang of Vietnam (r. 1819–41), Cambodia was divided into more than
30 Sino–Vietnamese prefectures and districts, abolishing the provinces.
Cambodian officials were given Sino–Vietnamese titles and grades.
The Vietnamese controlled important administrative decisions such
as personnel postings, salaries, military affairs, and the control of rice
surpluses. A Vietnamese taxation system was introduced. Minh Mang’s
polity also sought to Vietnamize the practices of the people, patterns
of measurement, mobilisation, and food supplies for military reasons.^30
The execution of Baen and Muang clearly demonstrated Chan’s
disdain for the Siamese monarch. According to tradition, the vassal
ruler was not allowed to execute high-ranking officials himself, but had
to send them to Bangkok for trial.^31 From the point of view of Bangkok,
of Rama II, 1971): 54–56.- Chotmaihet ratchakan thi song cho.so. 1173, 132–37.
- Woodside, Vietnam and the Chinese Model: 234–61; David Chandler, A History
of Cambodia, Second edition (Sydney: Allen & Unwin, 1993): 123–32; idem.,
Cambodia Before the French: Politics of the Tributary Kingdom (unpublished PhD
thesis, University of Michigan, 1973): Chapter 3. - Chandler, Cambodia Before the French: 88.