Bangkok enclave celebrates its Portuguese past

Kudichin displays to visitors a little-known chapter of Thai history

KEN BARRETT, Contributing writer
Portuguese adventurers had been the first Westerners to arrive in Siam, sailing up the Chao Phraya in 1511. They had brought with them guns and highly effective military techniques. They were also skilled administrators. By the time of the great expulsion of foreigners, the Portuguese were an integral part of Siamese society, able to supply weaponry from their colonies in Goa and Macau. They also held many influential positions in the court of Ayutthaya.

—
http://asia.nikkei.com/Life-Arts/Life/Bangkok-enclave-celebrates-its-Portuguese-past?page=2
—