The Occupation of France in Chanthaburi in the Reign of King Rama V

Abstract

The objective of this research aims at the study of Chanthaburi’s historical development and general conditions during the period of French occupation from B.E. 2436 to B.E. 2447 (A.D. 1893 A.D. 1904) including the study of the negotiations and the withdrawal of French troops from Chanthaburi. The result of the research reveals that France occupied Chanthaburi from 1893 to 1904: thereafter it occupied Trat up to the year 1907. The purpose of French occupation of Chanthaburi was to assume a warranty until Thailand had fully acted upon the agreement made with France after the 1893 crisis, and until peaceful situation was brought back to both banks of the Mekhong River at the distance of 25 kms. However, French occupation of Chanthaburi was only in part. It appeared that as for the part belonging to Thailand’s sovereignty, there were unending immigrants.