Tho Kyaung Bwa
Ruler of Onbaung, 1400s–1420s?
About Tho Kyaung Bwa
Tho Kyaung Bwa (, , also known as Sao Kem Hpa ) was sawbwa (ruler) of Onbaung (Hsipaw) from 1400s to 1420s. He was a vassal and/or ally of King Minkhaung I of Ava.
Standard chronicle narrative According to the standard royal chronicles, Tho Kyaung Bwa became a vassal of Ava in 1404/05. In a marriage of state, he married a niece of King Minkhaung I of Ava. In 1412, the sawbwa reported to the Ava court that the neighboring Shan state of Hsenwi, backed by Ming China, had invaded Onbaung. In response, Minkhaung dispatched Crown Prince Minye Kyawswa to drive out the Hsenwi and Chinese forces.
The next ruler of Onbaung mentioned in the standard royal chronicles is Le Than Bwa (Hsan Hpa) in 1425. The main chronicles do not specify the exact date Tho Kyaung Bwa ceased to be the sawbwa, or his relationship, if any, to Le Than Bwa.
Hsipaw chronicle narrative The Shan language chronicle Hsipaw Yazawin (Onbaung Hsipaw Chronicle) however says that Tho Kyaung Bwa was an ally of King Minkhaung. According to the chronicle, it was Minkhaung that submitted to the sawbwa in February 1415 after the sawbwa had marched and encamped in Sagaing across from the capital Ava (Inwa). The king of Ava gave his niece, Sanda, in marriage to Tho Kyaung Bwa.
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Tho Kyaung Bwa?
ruler of Onbaung, 1400s–1420s?
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Tho Kyaung Bwa. https://biography.guide/tho-kyaung-bwa/
MLA: "Tho Kyaung Bwa." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/tho-kyaung-bwa/.
Chicago: "Tho Kyaung Bwa." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/tho-kyaung-bwa/.
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