13 Facts About Smin Bayan

Smin Bayan was a Mon language title worn by successive commanders in the service of the monarchs of Hanthawaddy Pegu.

Smin Bayan had an elder brother, Smin Upakaung the Elder, who was married to Princess Tala Mi Saw, daughter of King Razadarit of Hanthawaddy Pegu.

Smin Bayan initially served as the deputy commander of the regiment led by his elder brother.

Smin Bayan was one of the commanders that drove back the Ava forces led by King Minkhaung I in 1408.

In late 1414, now known by his new title of Smin Bayan, he led a counterattack on Ava supply lines.

Smin Bayan soon decided to switch sides, agreeing to fight for Ava against an invading Chinese army.

Whatever drove him to defect, Smin Bayan was agreeing to fight against Pegu's key ally, China.

Smin Bayan defeated the Ming champion in the duel, and the Chinese forces retreated.

Smin Bayan spent the next seven years in the northern kingdom.

Smin Bayan went to the front only after the deaths of Minkhaung and Razadarit in 1421.

Smin Bayan made a break for the border during the hunting trip, shouting back to Thihathu as he rode away that he needed to return to his homeland as he missed his wife and family in the south.

However, Smin Bayan was released shortly after as Thado and Ran reached a deal.

Smin Bayan is not mentioned again in the main chronicles after 1431.