History
The town's importance as a trade partner depended on it serving as the starting-point on the western coast of Siam as an overland route to the capital, Ayuthia. In addition, it was a port at which smaller vessels could unload their cargoes, and thus avoid circumnavigating around the peninsula. Trade links were strong with Siam who also controlled this territory and got tributes from Burma. Trading was done with them through Dawei and Myeik along the eastern hill ranges of Myanmar.
The town enjoyed a reputation for trade with European nations since the 17th century. In 1759, the Burmese conqueror Aloung-bhura (Moung-oung-zaya) invaded the town. He pillaged it the following year and further damaged it in 1765. By 1767, it was destroyed by Ayuthia, and in the town's fall, the seaport of Mergui was brought to commercial ruin.
The Toungoo dynasty, which ruled this area in the16th century, lost to the British during the three wars fought between 1824 and 1885; Rakhine and Thainthreyi came under the British who, thereafter, re-established the Burman Dynasty.
Read more about this topic: Tanintharyi
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