The Relationship between Ayutthaya and France
Travel Like The Wind : Suchart Choolee
During the Ayutthaya period, especially in the reign of King Narai the Great, Siam had a close relationship with France. This relationship was established through religious, political, and commercial contacts. The chronicles and various documents provide us with a clear picture of Thai society, politics, and economy at that time.Before France played a significant role in Siam in the latter half of the 17th century, Siam had long-established contacts with various countries, including Burma, Laos, Cambodia, China, Persia, India, Japan, and other Western nations. Relations with France began through Christian missionary activities when missionaries arrived in Ayutthaya in 1662 (B.E. 2205), early in King Narai’s reign.
Archbishops Eléopold and de Bruyère met King Narai and reported on the glory of France under King Louis XIV. This was the time when Catholic Christians from many parts of the region gathered in Ayutthaya and began laying the official foundation of Christianity in Siam. After nearly ten years of missionary work, Archbishop Eléopold brought the papal bull and a royal letter from King Louis XIV to King Narai. The letter expressed friendship between the two nations and invited the Thai monarch to consider embracing Christianity.
The respectful reception by the Thai court led the French to believe that King Narai might convert to Christianity. This correspondence also paved the way for diplomatic relations between the two countries, especially as Siam sought allies to counter threats from the Dutch.King Narai sent an embassy to present a royal letter to King Louis XIV in Europe. Although the mission’s ship was damaged by storms, France replied in 1682 (B.E. 2225) with a letter expressing regret over the loss of the Siamese envoys and sent Archbishop Eléopold back to Siam with a new delegation.
The second Siamese embassy reached Paris in 1684 (B.E. 2227) and was received by King Louis XIV. The embassy conveyed King Narai’s willingness to protect and allow Christians to practice their religion freely. The message also implied that the Thai king was open to converting to Christianity. French missionaries encouraged King Louis XIV to support Siam as a political and commercial ally. Seeing the benefits, the French king sent a delegation to Ayutthaya in 1685 (B.E. 2228) led by Chevalier de Chaumont. The delegation was grandly welcomed by King Narai and Constantine Phaulkon, a Greek noble who held power in the court.
During the negotiations, de Chaumont expressed his desire for King Narai to convert to Christianity and requested Siam’s support for the French East India Company’s trade. Although there was doubt that this would be fully accepted, the treaty was signed, granting France trade privileges and freedom to propagate Christianity in Siam.Additionally, France was allowed to establish forts and station troops in Bangkok. Siam also sent envoys with tribute to King Louis XIV.
The second French embassy, led by de La Loubère, arrived in Ayutthaya in 1687 (B.E. 2230) with troops and military equipment. French engineer de Lamar designed city plans for Lopburi and forts in Bangkok. La Loubère’s letters reveal the society and governance of the time, while missionary Tachard’s reports reflect the complex and fragile political situation.Shortly after this delegation returned to France, a coup led by King Petracha occurred, and the French were expelled from Siam, causing the French influence to decline rapidly.
Although the close relationship between Siam and France lasted only about 25 years, most historical evidence from that period comes from French documents, which provide detailed records of Siam during King Narai’s reign. This allows historians to study this important relationship deeply.
Pen, Paper, Compass, Map, and Sail :
In the golden age of Ayutthaya, where Siam met the West
References:
- Fine Arts Department. The Journey of Missionary Tachard, Volumes 1-3. 1978.
- . Dutch Documents from the Ayutthaya Period. 1970.
- French Missionary Chronicles in Ayutthaya, Part 5, 1926.
- Damrong Rajanubhab, Prince. The Motives of the Westerners Coming to Siam. 1925.
- de Choisy, translated by San T. Komolbutr. Daily Chronicle of the Voyage to Siam in 1685-1686. Khaonah Publishing, 1973.
- de La Loubère, translated by San T. Komolbutr. La Loubère Chronicles, Volumes 1 and 2. Khaonah Publishing, 1967.
- Royal Chronicles, National Library Edition, Volume 10. Khaonah Publishing, 1964.
- Royal Chronicles, Part 45: French Merchant Chronicles during King Narai’s Reign, Part 5, 1927.
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