The maximum zone of influence of Rattanakosin included the vassal states of Cambodia, Laos, Shan States, and some Malay kingdoms. The kingdom was founded by Rama I of the Chakri. The first half of this period was characterized by the consolidation of the kingdom's power and was punctuated by periodic conflicts with Burma, Vietnam and Laos. The second period was one of engagements with the colonial powers of Britain and France in which Siam remained the only Southeast Asian state to maintain its independence.