Between King, Phrakhlang and Company

Persistent URL of this record https://hdl.handle.net/1887/41588

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Geschiedenis (BA)

Linde, Sebastiaan (2016)

Between King, Phrakhlang and Company

Bachelor thesis | Geschiedenis (BA)

This paper reconstructs the course of events during a hitherto little known dispute between the VOC and the court of Siam (Ayutthaya) between 1741-1747. The paper explores various themes, among them cultural incommensurability and early modern 'corruption'. The hidden political life of the Siamese court is uncovered as the various officials and intermediaries involved appear to conduct their own businesses behind the back of the much glorified 'absolute' king Borommakot. At the same time, the envoys of the VOC appear to be conducting private business. Ultimately, this paper provides insights in the nature of Siamese political culture during the 'golden age' of Ayutthaya, based on evidence gained from Dutch sources.

Gerrit Fek

Nicolaas Bang

Dutch East India Company (VOC)

Ayutthaya

Ban Phlu Luang dynasty

Phrakhlang

Borommakot

Cultural incommensurability

Private trade

early modern cultural interaction

early modern Southeast Asia

Thailand