Auction :: Next Auction 2023World - Thailand - Medals, Louis XIV, Reception of the Ambassadors of Siam in 1686 (Bronze, 164.45 gr, 72.00 mm) About Uncirculated .
Early 20th century official restrike
In 1685, the King of Siam (now known as Thailand) sent an embassy to the court of Louis XIV in Versailles. The purpose of the embassy was to establish diplomatic and trade relations between the two countries.
The Siamese embassy, led by the ambassadors Kosa Pan and Ok-khun Chamnan, arrived in Versailles on 1 June 1686. The reception of the ambassadors was a grand affair, reflecting the opulence and splendor of the French court under Louis XIV, also known as the Sun King.
Upon their arrival, the Siamese ambassadors were received with great pomp and ceremony. They were greeted by a procession of courtiers, nobles, and officials, who accompanied them to the palace. The ambassadors were dressed in traditional Siamese attire, which was quite different from the French court fashion of the time, adding to the exoticism of the occasion.
King Louis XIV himself held a special audience to receive the ambassadors. The event took place in the Hall of Mirrors, one of the most magnificent rooms in the Palace of Versailles. The Hall of Mirrors was adorned with elaborate decorations, including mirrors, gilded statues, and paintings, showcasing the grandeur of the French monarchy.
During the audience, the Siamese ambassadors presented gifts to the king, including precious objects, jewels, and works of art from their homeland. These offerings were intended to impress the French monarch and demonstrate the wealth and cultural richness of Siam. In return, Louis XIV presented the ambassadors with valuable gifts from the French court, including tapestries, furniture, and other luxury items.
The reception of the Siamese ambassadors was not only a diplomatic event but also a display of power and prestige. Louis XIV aimed to assert his authority as the ruler of one of the most influential and sophisticated courts in Europe. The event also showcased the global reach of French diplomacy and the expanding network of trade and cultural exchanges during the 17th century.
The reception of the Ambassadors of Siam in 1686 symbolized the growing interest of European powers in the Asian continent and marked an important chapter in the diplomatic history of France and Siam. It laid the foundation for future interactions and exchanges between the two countries, contributing to the development of Franco-Siamese relations in the centuries that followed.