Research & Article

In 1738, the director of the Dutch trade office at Ayutthaya was invited to inspect the crematory building being prepared for one of King Borommakot’s chief queens, probably an unique opportunity for a foreigner in this era; and on the following day, he witnessed the funeral procession. He left a detailed description of what he saw, including many details not found in any other account. This article includes an English translation of these episodes, along with reflections on the insight they give into Siamese attitudes and Siamese-Dutch relations at that time.