# Kengtung State

Kengtung (Burmese: ကျိုင်းတုံ; Shan: ၵဵင်းတုင် Chiang Tung; Northern Thai: ᨩ᩠ᨿᨦᨲᩩᨦ), known as Menggen Prefecture (Chinese: 孟艮府) or Möng Khün Chiefdom or Mueng Khuen Fu (Tai Khün: ᨾᩮ᩠ᨦᩨᨡ᩠ᨶᩨ), classical name Khemarattha, was a Shan state from 1405 to 1895 in what is today Burma. The capital and the residence of the ruler was Kengtung (then known as "Tai Khuen City" 歹掯城) in the centre of the state. It was the only urban area in this mountainous state whose landscape is dominated by the Daen Lao Range.
Kengtung was the largest of the states in present-day Shan State and ranked first in the order of precedence at the time of the invasion of the Shan States by the British Empire. It was also the easternmost of the Southern Shan States, lying almost entirely east of the Salween and stretching eastwards to the Mekong. It was separated from the northern Shan state of Manglon by the Hka River.
Most of the early history of Kengtung is made up of myths and legends. At the time of British rule in Burma the Tai Yai people were the majority of the population in Kengtung state with other groups such as Akha and Lahu, forming sizeable communities. According to Wa tradition, in the distant past the territory had belonged to the Wa people who were displaced around 1229 and were later defeated by King Mangrai. The Wa now form a minority of only about 10% in Kengtung State despite having been —according to their myths— the original inhabitants.

## History
### Early kingdoms

According to local tradition, Khemāraṭṭha (ခေမာရဋ္ဌ), the predecessor state, was founded in an unknown date in the distant past. It was ruled by the Tai Khün of the Tai Yai (Shan) ethnic background. The current dynasty has its origins in the kingdom that was founded around 1243 by a prince named Mang Kun, said to be a delegate of King Mangrai. Despite the ethnic affinity of the ruling Tai with the Siamese to the south, Kengtung was led by Saopha princes who historically preferred to pay tribute to the Burmese kings to the west. The King of Mandalay restricted himself to exacting a yearly tribute, often in the form of offerings of ritual gold flowers, leaving the Kengtung rulers largely alone. The Salween river also acted as a protective natural border in the West hampering communication with Upper Burma. On the other hand, the kingdoms of Lanna and Ayutthaya, as well as the Chinese to the northeast, were closer, more bellicose and had easier access to the territory.

### Modern history

In 1760, following conflicting claims of political influence over Kengtung State, there was a war between the Qianlong Emperor of the Qing Dynasty and the King of Burma, Hsinbyushin. In 1802 Kengtung came under the rule of Chiang Mai, but with the help of the Burmese the former ruling dynasty was reinstated in 1814 and Mongyawng (Möngyawng) state was annexed.
Kengtung was historically located at the crossroads of the trade between China and Siam and 19th century sources talk about caravans crossing Kengtung on their way to Chiang Mai totaling yearly 8,000 mules loaded with goods from China. During British rule in Burma the eastern border was demarcated by the colonial powers and the western part of Kengcheng was merged with Kengtung. Historically Kengtung also included the substates of Hsenyawt, Hsenmawng, Monghsat and Mongpu. Between 1849 and 1854, Siam invaded Kengtung thrice; the invasions were repulsed with Burmese and Shan military assistance.
On 27 May 1942, during World War II, Kengtung State was invaded and its capital captured by the Thai Phayap Army. Following a previous agreement between Thai Prime Minister Plaek Phibunsongkhram and the Japanese Empire, in December the same year the Thai administration occupied Kengtung and four districts of Möngpan. The annexation of the trans-Salween territories historically claimed by Thailand was formalised on 1 August 1943 and the northern province of Saharat Thai Doem was established. Thailand left the territory in 1945, but officially relinquished its claim over Kengtung State only in 1946 as part of the condition for admission to the United Nations and the withdrawal of all wartime sanctions for having sided with the Axis powers.
The last ruler of Kengtung abdicated in 1959. The state became then part of Shan State and, despite the independence struggle of the latter, eventually part of Burma. After the 1962 military coup by General Ne Win all the privileges of the saophas were abolished.

### Rulers

The rulers of Kengtung bore the title of Saopha; their ritual style was Khemadhipati Rajadhiraja.
The Kengtung Yazawin, also known as 'Padaeng Chronicle' and 'Jengtung State Chronicle,' is a history of the rulers of Kengtung written in the 19th century in Burmese language. It was translated into English by Sao Saimong Mangrai.
| # | Rulers | Enthrone | Dethrone | Remark |
| 1 | Mang Khum | 1243 | 1247 | Delegate of Mang Rai, founder of Kengtung State. |
| 2 | Mang Khian | 1247 | 1253 | |
| 3 | Sao Nam Tuam | 1253 | 1264 | |
| 4 | Sao Nam Nan | 1264 | 1317 | |
| 5 | Sao Hsam Muen Hwe | 1317 | 1324 | |
| 6 | Sao Ai Lok | 1324 | 1336 | |
| — | — | 1336 | 1342 | |
| 7 | Sao Hsai Nan | 1342 | 1350 | |
| 8 | Sao Hsai Yu | 1349 | 1366 | |
| — | — | 1366 | 1379 | |
| 9 | Sao Sit Pan Tu | 1379 | 1387 | |
| 10 | Sao Ai Awn | 1387 | 1390 | |
| 11 | Ai Wu Hsa | 1390 | 1403 | |
| 12 | Yi Hkam Hka | 1403 | 1460 | |
| 13 | Sao Hsam (I) | 1416 | 1441 | |
| 14 | Sao Hsam Si-li | 1441 | 1456 | |
| 15 | Ai Lao Hkam Ta | 1456 | 1474 | |
| 16 | Hpaya Lao | 1474 | 1501 | |
| 17 | Sao Naw Kiao | — | — | Son of Ai Lao Hkam. |
| 18 | Hsai Hkaw | — | — | Son of Ai Lao Hkam. |
| 19 | Hsai Hpom | — | — | Son of Ai Lao Hkam. |
| 20 | Sao Hsam (II) | — | — | Son of Ai Lao Hkam. |
| 21 | Sao Hkam | — | — | Son of Ai Lao Hkam. |
| 22 | Hpaya Kiao (Sao Town Fu) | 1523 | 1560 | A monk called to rule. |
| 23 | Sao Kiao Bun Nam | 1560 | 1598 | |
| 24 | Sao Hkam Town | 1598 | 1620 | |
| 25 | Sao Mong Khet (Mang Kyin Hpa) | 1620 | 1637 | |
| 26 | Sao On | 1638 | 1661 | |
| 27 | Sao In Hkam | 1662 | 1678 | |
| 28 | Sao Ram Muen (Sao Ok Sighn) | 1678 | 1686 | |
| 29 | Sao Mong Saik (Hsa Le Mang) | 1686 | 1703 | |
| 30 | Sao Hsam Hpi | 1703 | 1710 | |
| 31 | Sao Mong Chuen | 1710 | 1728 | |
| — | — | 1728 | 1730 | |
| 32 | Maung Myo | 1730 | 1737 | Yawnghwe Shan, sent from Ava (then was a royal court of Toungoo dynasty). |
| 33 | Sao Mong Phi | 1737 | 1738 | |
| — | — | 1738 | 1740 | |
| 34 | Sao Mong Hsam (1st) | 1740 | 1744 | |
| 35 | Sao Karng | 1744 | 1747 | |
| 34 | Sao Mong Hsam (2nd) | 1747 | 1787 | |
| 36 | Sao Kawng Tai | 1787 | 1802 | |
| 37 | Sao Maha Hkanan (Sao Dong Hseng) | 1813 | 1857 | |
| 38 | Sao Maha Hpom | 1857 | 1876 | |
| 39 | Sao Hseng Hkam | 1876 | 1881 | |
| 40 | Sao Kawng Tai (I) | 1881 | 1886 | |
| 41 | Sao Kawng Hkam Fu | 1886 | 1897 | |
| 42 | Sao Kawng Kiao Intaleng | 1895 | 1935 | |
| 43 | Sao Kawng Tai (II) | 1935 | 1937 | |
| 44 | Sao Sai Long | 1937 | 1959 | |
There is another version of Kentung chronicle which was recorded in Khün language and then translated into Thai by Thawi Sawangpanyangkun.
| # | Rulers | Enthrone | Dethrone | Thai Name | Remark |
| 1,2 | Mang Khum | 1243 | 1247 | มังคุ่ม | Commoner, appointed by King Mang Rai of Lanna, ruled together with Mang Khian. |
| | Mang Khian | 1243 | 1253 | มังเคียน | Commoner, appointed by King Mang Rai of Lanna, ruled together with Mang Khum until Mang Khum died. |
| 3 | Chao Nam Thuam | 1253 | 1264 | เจ้าน้ำท่วม | A son of King Chai Songkhram of Lanna. |
| 4 | Chao Nam Nan | 1264 | 1317 | เจ้าน้ำน่าน | A close relative of King Chai Songkhram of Lanna. |
| 5 | Chao Sam Muen Huai | 1317 | 1324 | เจ้าสามหมื่นห้วย | A member of the royal family of Lanna. |
| 6 | Chao Ai Lok | 1324 | 1342 | เจ้าอ้ายลก | A member of the royal family of Lanna. |
| 7 | Chao Sai Nan | 1342 | ? | เจ้าใส่น่าน | A member of the royal family of Lanna. |
| — | — | ? | 1350 | — | Kengtung (Chiang Tung) was abandoned. |
| 8 | Chao Chet Phan Tu | 1350 | 1377 | เจ้าเจ็ดพันตู | A son of King Pha Yu of Lanna. |
| 9 | Chao Ai On | 1377 | ? | เจ้าอ้ายอ่อน | A son of Chao Chet Phan Tu. |
| 10 | Chao Bun Chu | 1390 | 1403 | เจ้าบุญชู | A close relative of Chao Chet Phan Tu. (Likely to be an uncle of Chao Ai On) |
| 11 | Chao Yi Kham Kha | 1403 | 1416 | เจ้ายี่คำขา | A younger brother of Chao Bun Chu. |
| — | — | 1416 | 1419 | — | No detail. |
| 12 | Chao Sam I | 1419 | 1443 | เจ้าสาม ที่ ๑ | A younger brother of Chao Yi Kham Kha. |
| 13 | Chao Sam Seri | 1443 | ? | เจ้าสามเสรี | A son of Chao Sam. |
| 14 | Chao Ai Lao Kham Tha | 1456 | 1460 | เจ้าอ้ายเลาคำทา | A close relative of Chao Chet Phan Tu |
| — | — | 1460 | 1474 | — | No detail. |
| 15 | Chao Lao | 1474 | 1519 | เจ้าเลา | A son of Chao Ai Lao Kham Tha. |
| 16 | Chao No Kaeo | 1519 | 1523 | เจ้าหน่อแก้ว | A younger brother of Chao Lao. |
| 17 | Chao Sai Kho | 1521 | 1523 | เจ้าสายคอ | A son of Chao Lao. Declared independence from Chao No Kaeo. |
| 18 | Chao Sai Phrom | 1523 | 1523 | เจ้าใส่พรหม | A younger brother of Chao Sai Kho. Reigned for about 1 month. |
| 19 | Chao Sam Chiang Khong | 1523 | 1523 | เจ้าสามเชียงคง | A younger brother of Chao Sai Phrom. Reigned for days. |
| 20 | Chao Kham Mu | 1523 | 1523 | เจ้าคำหมู่ | A younger brother of Chao Sam Chiang Khong. Reigned for 1 month and 7 days. |
| 21 | Chao Kham Fu (Phraya Kaeo Yod Fa Narit) | 1523 | 1560 | เจ้าคำฟู (พระญาแก้วยอดฟ้านริท) | A younger brother of Chao Kham Mu. |
| 22 | Chao Kaeo Bun Nam | 1560 | 1596 | เจ้าแก้วบุญนำ | A son of Chao Kham Fu. |
| 23 | Chao Kham Thao | 1596 | 1620 | เจ้าคำท้าว | A son of Chao Kaeo Bun Nam. |
| 24 | Chao Kiang Kham (Chao Mueang Khak) | 1620 | 1637 | เจ้าเกี๋ยงคำ (เจ้าเมืองขาก) | A younger brother of Chao Kham Thao. Previously ruled Mong Khet (Mueang Khak). |
| 25 | Chao Un | 1638 | 1660 | เจ้าอุ่น | A son of Chao Kiang Kham. |
| 26 | Chao In Kham | 1661 | ? | เจ้าอินคำ | A maternal grandson of Chao Kaeo Bun Nam. |
| 27 | Chao Ram Muen (Chao Ok Singha) | 1678 | 1686 | เจ้ารามหมื่น (เจ้าอกสิงห์) | A younger brother of Chao In Kham. |
| 28 | Chao Kaeo Bun Ma (Chao Cha Le Mang) | 1686 | 1703 | เจ้าแก้วบุญมา (เจ้าชะเหล่มาง) | A son of Chao Ram Muen. |
| 29 | Chao Sam II | ? | ? | เจ้าสาม ที่ ๒ | A close relative of Chao Kaeo Bun Ma. |
| 30 | Chao Mueang Chuen | ? | 1728 | เจ้าเมืองชื่น | A close relative of Chao Kaeo Bun Ma. |
| 31 | Chao Mong Mio | 1729 | 1737 | เจ้าหม่องมิ้ว | A paternal half-brother of Chao Mueng Chuen. |
| 32 | Chao Tittha Nantharacha (Chao Mueng Phi) | 1737 | 1740 | เจ้าติถนันทราชา (เจ้าเมืองพี) | A brother of Chao Mong Mio. Previously ruled Mong Phi (Mueang Phi). |
| 33 | Chao Mueang Sam (1st reigning) | 1740 | 1766 | เจ้าเมืองสาม (ครั้งที่ 1) | A son of Chao Tittha Nantharacha. |
| 34 | Chao Kang | 1766 | 1769 | เจ้ากาง | A son of Chao Mong Mio. |
| 33 | Chao Mueang Sam (2nd reigning) | 1769 | 1786 | เจ้าเมืองสาม (ครั้งที่ 2) | |
| 35 | Chao Kong Thai | 1786 | 1802 | เจ้ากองไท | A son of Chao Mueang Sam. |
| — | — | 1802 | 1814 | — | Kengtung (Chiang Tung) was abandoned after the second invasion by Chiang Mai, to which Chao Kong Thai and many other people were taken. |
| 36 | Chao Maha Khanan Duang Saeng | 1814 | 1857 | เจ้ามหาขนานดวงแสง | A younger brother of Chao Kong Thai. He fled to Mong Yang between Chiang Mai's invasion, and standing there until he was appointed by Burmese to rule Kengtung. |
| 37 | Chao Maha Phrom | 1858 | 1876 | เจ้ามหาพรหม | A son of Chao Maha Khanan Duang Saeng. |
| 38 | Chao Kham Saeng | 1877 | 1880 | เจ้าคำแสง | A younger brother of Chao Maha Phrom. |
| 39 | Chao Chot Kong Thai (Chao Chiang Khaeng) | 1880 | 1886 | เจ้าโชติกองไท (เจ้าเชียงแขง) | A younger brother of Chao Kham Saeng. Previously ruled Chiang Khaeng (Muang Sing). |
| 40 | Chao Kong Kham Fu | 1886 | 1896 | เจ้ากองคำฟู | A son of Chao Chot Kong Thai. |
| — | Chao Nang Thip Thida | 1896 | 1897 | เจ้านางทิพย์ธิดา | A younger sister of Chao Kong Kham Fu. She temporarily ruled over Kengtung while her younger brother, Chao Kon Kaeo In Thalaeng, was too young to be Saopha. She was the only female ruler of Kengtung. |
| 41 | Chao Kon Kaeo In Thalaeng | 1897 | 1935 | เจ้าก้อนแก้วอินแถลง | A younger paternal half-brother of Chao Kong Kham Fu. |
| 42 | Chao Kong Thai | 1937 | 1937 | เจ้ากองไท | A son of Chao Kon Kaeo In Thalaeng. Reigned for 162 days. |
| — | — | 1937 | 1943 | — | Vacant. The British Empire did not appoint anyone to rule Kengtung during the time when Chao Phrom Lue was being prosecuted as a suspect who was involved in the murder of Chao Kong Tai. Chao Phrom Lue was later found innocent. |
| — | Chao Phrom Lue | 1943 | 1945 | เจ้าพรหมลือ | An elder paternal half-brother of Chao Kong Thai, appointed by Siam between its occupation. |
| 43 | Chao Chai Luang | 1947 | 1959 | เจ้าชายหลวง | A son of Chao Kong Thai. |

#### Saophas
##### Chinese records

Mang Kun and Mang Kyin were Yonnaka governors sent by Mang Lai. Marquess of Kengtung refers to a son of Mang Lai.
| # | Saopha | Khuen name | Enthrone | Dethrone | Chinese name |
| 1 | 孟昆 – (Mèng kūn) | Mang Khum / Mang Kun | 1263 | 1267 | |
| 2 | 孟钦 – (Mèng qīn) | Mang Khian / Mang Kyin | 1267 | 1273 | |
| 3 | Marquess of Kengtung (景栋侯) | Sao Nam Tuam | 1273 | 1284 | |
| 4 | 绍南南 – (Shào nán nán) | Sao Nam Nan | 1284 | 1317 | |
| 5 | 绍山木维 – (Shào shān mù wéi) | Sao Hsam Muen Hwe | 1317 | 1324 | |
| 6 | 绍赖 – (Shào lài) | Sao Ai Lok | 1324 | 1342 | |
| 7 | 绍赛南 – (Shào sài nán) | Sao Hsai Nan | 1342 | 1360 | |
| 8 | 绍育 – (Shào yù) | Sao Hsai Yu | 1360 | 1370 | |
| 9 | 绍西潘图 – (Shào xī pān tú) | Sao Sit Pan Tu | 1379 | 1387 | |
| 10 | 绍艾奥 – (Shào ài ào) | Sao Ai Awn | 1387 | 1390 | |
| 11 | 艾乌萨 – (Ài wū sà) | (Sao) Ai Wu Hsa | 1390 | 1403 | |
| 12 | 伊康伽 – (Yī kāng jiā) | (Sao) Yi Hkam Hka | 1403 | 1416 | 刀哀 – (Dāo āi) |
| 13 | 绍山 – (Shào shān) | Sao Hsam (I) | 1416 | 1441 | 刀交 – (Dāo jiāo)；刀光 – (Dāo guāng) |
| 14 | 绍山斯里 – (Shào shān sī lǐ) | Sao Hsam Si-li | 1441 | 1456 | 庆马辣 – (Qìng mǎ là) |
| 15 | 艾劳康 – (Ài láo kāng) | Ai Lao Hkam Ta | 1456 | 1474 | |
| 16 | 艾劳 – (Ài láo) | Hpaya Lao / Sao Lao | 1474 | 1501 | 招禄 – (Zhāo lù) |
| 17 | 绍瑙江 – (Shào nǎo jiāng) | Sao Naw Kiao | 1501 | 1503 | 招帕雅 – (Zhāo pà yǎ)? |
| 18 | 赛考 – (Sài kǎo) | (Sao) Hsai Hkaw | 1503 | ？ | |
| 19 | 赛蓬 – (Sài péng) | (Sao) Hsai Hpom | ？ | ？ | |
| 20 | 绍山 – (Shào shān) | Sao Hsam (II) | ？ | ？ | |
| 21 | 绍康木 – (Shào kāng mù) | Sao Hkam | ？ | 1523 | |
| 22 | 比亚江 – (Bǐ yǎ jiāng) | Hpaya Kiao / Sao Hkam Fu | 1523 | 1560 | |
| 23 | 绍蒙卡 – (Shào méng kǎ) | Sao Kiao Bun Nam | 1560 | 1598 | |
| 24 | 绍康陶 – (Shào kāng táo) | Sao Hkam Town | 1598 | 1600 | |
| 25 | 绍蒙伽 – (Shào méng jiā) | Sao Moung Khet | 1620 | 1637 | |
| 26 | 绍温 – (Shào wēn) | Sao On | 1637 | 1650 | |
| 27 | 绍因康 – (Shào yīn kāng) | Sao In Hkam | 1650 | 1659 | |
| 28 | 绍奥 – (Shào ào) | Sao Ram Muen | 1659 | ？ | |
| 29 | 绍蒙赛 – (Shào méng sài) | Sao Mong Saik | ？ | 1682 | |
| 30 | 绍山皮 – (Shào shān pí) | Sao Hsam Hpi | 1682 | 1721 | |
| 31 | 绍芒辛 – (Shào máng xīn) | Sao Mong Chuen | 1721 | 1739 | |
| 32 | 貌纽 – (Mào niǔ) | (Sao) Maung Myo | 1739 | 1749 | |
| 33 | 绍芒山 – (Shào máng shān) | Sao Mong Hsam | 1750 | 1787 | |
| 34 | 绍考泰 – (Shào kǎo tài) | Sao Kawng Tai | 1787 | 1813 | |
| 35 | 绍摩诃加那 – (Shào mó hē jiā nà) | Sao Maha Hkanan | 1813 | 1857 | |
| 36 | 绍摩诃蓬 – (Shào mó hē péng) | Sao Maha Hpom | 1857 | 1876 | |
| 37 | 绍康胜 – (Shào kāng shèng) | Sao Hseng Hkam | 1876 | 1881 | |
| 38 | 绍考泰 – (Shào kǎo tài) | Sao Kawng Tai (I) | 1881 | 1886 | |
| 39 | 绍考康 – (Shào kǎo kāng) | Sao Kawng Hkam Fu | 1886 | 1897 | |
| 40 | 绍考江因塔楞 – (Shào kǎo jiāng yīn tǎ léng) | Sao Kawng Kiao Intaleng | 1895 | 1935 | |
| 41 | 绍考泰 – (Shào kǎo tài) | Sao Kawng Tai (II) | 1935 | 1937 | |
| 42 | 绍赛隆 – (Shào sài lóng) | Sao Sai Long | 1937 | 1959 | |

##### Burmese records

| # | Saophas | Beginning and End of Reign | Detail |
| 1 | Man Kun | 1243 – 1247 | ? – 1247 |
| — | — | — | No detail |
| 28 | Sao Awk | ? – ? | |
| 29 | Sao Möng Lek | ? – 1730 | 1646 – 1730 |
| 30 | Sao Maung Hkawn (1st time) | 1730 – c.1735 | 1706 – 17?? |
| — | — | c.1735 – 1739 | Vancant |
| 30 | Sao Maung Hkawn (2nd time) | 1739 –1742 | |
| 31 | Sao Möng Hsam | 1742 –1786 | ? – 1786 |
| 32 | Sao Kawng Tai I (1st time) | 1787 –1802 | 1769 – 1813 |
| 32 | Sao Kawng Tai I (2nd time) | 1814 –1815 | |
| 33 | Sao Maha Hkanan | 1815 –1857 | 1781 – 1857 |
| 34 | Sao Maha Pawn | 1857 –1876 | 1814 – 1876 |
| 35 | Sao Hseng | 1877 – 1881 | 1818 – 1881 |
| 36 | Sao Kawng Tai II | 1881 – 1885 | 1829 – 1885 |
| 37 | Sao Kawn Kham Hpu | 1886 – 1895 | 1874 – 1895 |
| 38 | Sao Kawng Kiao Intaleng | 7 May 1895 – 21 July 1935 | 1874 – 1935, administrator to 9 Feb 1897 |
| 39 | Sao Kaung Tai | 21 July 1935 – August 1935 | 1899 – 1935 |
| 40 | — | 1935 – 1942 | British administration |
| 41 | — | 1942 – 1945 | Annexed by Siam (Thailand) |
| 42 | Sao Sai Long | 1945 – 1962 | 1927 – 1997 |

#### Thai Military governor

Following the Thai occupation, a military governor was appointed for the administration of the annexed territories of Kengtung and Möngpan by Thailand.
* December 1942 – 1945: Phin Choonhavan (1891–1973)