Thailand: The Thalang Victory Memorial. Warrior statues at Phuket Historical Park, Thalang, Phuket, depicting the victory of the people of Phuket over the invading Burmese, 1785-6. Rama I's Chakri dynasty met its first great test in the massive Burmese invasion of 1785. King Bodawpaya of Burma (1745-1819) sent more than 100,000 troops in five armies against Siam. The Burmese forces that invaded southern Thailand enjoyed initial success but were halted at Thalang, in central Phuket, by the bravery of the local defenders. Two sisters, Chan and Muk, the widow and sister-in-law of the late governor, organised the resistance.