Thailand: Ruins of Constantine Phaulkon's house (Chao Phraya Vichayen House), Lopburi

Constance Phaulkon (born Κωσταντής Γεράκης - Costantin Gerachi) or Constantinos Gerakis (γεράκι - geraki is the Greek word for falcon). Known by the French as Monsieur Constance, the Thai เจ้าพระยา วิชาเยนทร์ - Chao Phraya Vichayen and the Portuguese Constantino Falcão (1647 - June 5, 1688) was a Greek adventurer, who became first counsellor to King Narai of Ayutthaya.

The old town of Lopburi dates back to the Dvaravati era (6th - 13th century). It was originally known as Lavo or Lavapura. After the foundation of the Ayutthaya Kingdom in the fifteenth century, Lopburi was a stronghold of Ayutthaya's rulers. It later became a new royal capital during the reign of King Narai the Great of the Ayutthaya kingdom in the middle of the 17th century. The king stayed here for about eight months a year. Today, Lopburi is renowned for its Crab-Eating Macaques that live amid the Khmer temple ruins of the city.

Copyright:

CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Photographer:

David Henley

Credit:

Pictures From Asia

Theme:

SIAMESE CAPITALS