The first cholera pandemic occurs in the Bengal region of India, near Calcutta starting in 1817 through 1824.

The disease disperses from India to Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and Eastern Africa through trade routes; it will ultimately kill thousands in China and the Philippines.

In March 1820, the disease is identified in Siam; in May 1820, the disease has spread as far as Bangkok and Manila.

Scholars of particular areas have estimated death tolls.

For instance, some estimate that Bangkok might have suffered thirty thousand deaths from the disease.