Khao Ngu, Ratchaburi: where the Siamese routed the Burmese vanguard in the Nine Armies' War

What happened here

Late February 1786Stop 4 of 5

The Burmese vanguard built its camp at the foot of Khao Ngu without the force holding Ratchaburi being aware of it, and sent men into the orchards to pick coconuts and fruit for food.

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The carelessness that almost lost a town

Chaophraya Thammathikon and Phraya Yommarat held Ratchaburi with 5,000 men, guarding the supply line of the army at Lat Ya. But they did not send their patrols out far enough. So the Burmese vanguard was able to build a camp at Khao Ngu, and to send men into the orchards of Ratchaburi district to pick coconuts and fruit for food.

After the victory at Lat Ya, the Front Palace prince sent Phraya Kalahom Ratchasena and Phraya Cha Saenyakon overland towards Ratchaburi. They came upon the Burmese camp at Khao Ngu and attacked. The fighting came to hand-to-hand combat, and the Burmese camp fell. The Siamese pursued as far as Chao Khwao Pass, where the Burmese rear column was broken as well.

The two commanders who held Ratchaburi were punished. The Front Palace prince asked for them to be executed, but King Rama I spared their lives because of their past service. They were removed from their posts, had their heads shaved in three strips, and were paraded in disgrace around the camp.

The place today

Today it is Khao Ngu Stone Park. Once a quarry, it was later turned into a public park, with a lake ringed by limestone cliffs, a suspension bridge, and Ruesi Khao Ngu Cave, which has a Buddha image carved on the cave wall in the Dvaravati period. It is open every day.