Thailand: Ruins of the hall of residence used for housing ambassador's and foreign missions visiting King Narai, next to 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