Affidavits in the period of King Rama III regarding Colonization Events in China, Burma, Vietnam and Indonesia

Abstract

Affidavits during the period of King Rama III are evidence of great importance which reflect certain historic events at that time. These were documents produced by the government through the collection of affidavits given by relevant or contemporary witnesses. Following the study, there are eight affidavits which narrate westerners’ colonization in China and Southeast Asia. The four events are 

1) The British influence in Burma found in the affidavits given by witnesses traveling to Mo Tum Lerm to collect governmental intelligence thus witnessing British governance in Mo Tum Lerm after defeating Burma in the war.
2) The British influence in China found in affidavits by ambassadors travelling to Beijing, regarding Thai ambassadors’ inquiry about when Britain fought with China in the Opium Wars.
3) The French influence in Vietnam found in affidavits given by witnesses travelling for intelligence collection in Vietnam, mainly concerning the religious conflicts in Vietnam in which the Monarchs objected to Christianity resulting in various conflicts and
4) The influence of Holland in Indonesia (Bali) which affidavits record information regarding the colonial war between Holland and Indonesia (Bali) in 1846. The stories recorded in these affidavits indicate that the ruling class of Siam were then aware of the threat western colonization posed.