Constantine Phaulkon
Chao Phraya Wichayen Constantine Phaulkon | |
|---|---|
Κωνσταντῖνος Γεράκης | |
Contemporary depiction of Constance Phaulkon | |
| Samuhanayok (Chief minister) of Ayutthaya Kingdom | |
| In office 1685–1688 Serving with Chao Phraya Chomnan Pakdi (Soombun) | |
| Monarch | Narai |
| Preceded by | Chao Phraya Apairaja (Cheen) |
| Succeeded by | Chao Phraya Chomnan Pakdi (Soombun) |
| Acting Phra Khlang | |
| In office 1683–1685 | |
| Monarch | Narai |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1647 Erisso, Cephalonia, Republic of Venice |
| Died | 5 June 1688 (aged 40–41) Lopburi, Ayutthaya Kingdom |
| Cause of death | Decapitation |
| Nationality | Greek |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 2 |
| Relatives | Grandparents: Costantin Gerachi and Pagulina Cangelari. Great grandfather: Captain Marco Cangelari, Military Commander and Ambassador of the Community of Cephalonia to Venice (1561) |
| Occupation | Soldier, Clerk, Trader, Translator, Nobleman |
| Known for | Favourite of King Narai |
| Signature | |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | England (1665-1667) English East India Company (1667-1679) Ayutthaya Kingdom |
| Battles/wars | Second Anglo-Dutch War Third Anglo-Dutch War Makassar Revolt (1686) Anglo-Siamese War Siamese revolution of 1688 |
Constantine Phaulkon (Greek: Κωνσταντῖνος Γεράκης, Konstantinos Gerakis; γεράκι is the Greek word for "falcon"; also known as Costantin Gerachi, Capitão Falcão in Portuguese and simply as Monsieur Constance in French; 1647 – 5 June 1688) was a Greek adventurer who became chief minister to King Narai of the Ayutthaya Kingdom and assumed the Thai noble title "Chao Phraya Wichayen" (เจ้าพระยาวิชาเยนทร์).: 59, 64