In the year 1626 the arrangement, made in 1617, whereby Chiengmai was not to be interfered with by Burma, was infringed by the Burmese. The two brothers of King Maha Tammaraja of Burma were engaged in an expedition destined to subdue Kengrung and Luang Prabang, and they took the opportunity, while passing through Chiengmmai territory, to impose once more the Burmese yoke upon the sorely tried Laos.
King Songtam kept up friendly intercourse with the Shogun of Japan during his whole reign. It is curious to find that he was extremely anxious to obtain “ noble steeds” from Japan. The modern breed of Japanese ponies is not very much admired. One remark made by the Shogun, in a letter dated September 1623, is worthy of preservation.