Ayutthaya Through the Eyes of Père Tachard

Abstract

       Guy Tachard (Père Tachard) was a Roman Catholic Jesuit priest born in France in 1651 and died in India in 1712 at the age of 61. During his lifetime, he was part of the diplomatic mission of King Louis XIV of France sent to the Kingdom of Ayutthaya in the reign of King Narai the Great (1656-1688). In addition to strengthening trade relations, the French government also wanted to spread Roman Catholicism in the Kingdom of Ayutthaya, so they sent the delegation of priests accompany with the embassy. The Ayutthaya royal court welcomed and gave them freedom to do their missionary work. Père Tachard travelled to Ayutthaya three times: the first time in 1685, second between 1687-1688, the third and last time in 1699. Each trip he’s recorded many stories of the Kingdom of Ayutthaya, including its geography, climate, flora, and people. This article focuses on the study of Père Tachard's first trip travelogue as primary historical source, focusing on the stories of the nobility, people, and social values and norms during late Ayutthaya period.