10 Facts About Kosa Pan

Kosa Pan was a Siamese diplomat and minister who led the second Siamese embassy to France sent by King Narai in 1686.

Kosa Pan set out for France in 1686 on two French ships with two other Siamese ambassadors, Ok-luang Kanlaya Ratchamaitri and Ok-khun Si Wisan Wacha, and by the Jesuit Father Guy Tachard.

Kosa Pan's embassy was met with a rapturous reception and caused a sensation in the courts and society of Europe.

Kosa Pan was appointed by Phetracha as his Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Kosa Pan was met in Siam in 1690 by the German naturalist Engelbert Kaempfer.

Kosa Pan is quick of understanding and lively action, for which reasons he was a few years ago sent Ambassador to France, of which Country, its Government, Fortresses and the like, he would often entertain us in his discourses; and the hall of his House, where we had a private audience of him, was hung with the pictures of the Royal Family of France, and European Maps, the rest of his furniture being nothing but Dust and Cobwebs.

Kosa Pan was later accused of having affinity to the French and loyalty to his former King, Narai.

Kosa Pan was disgraced, and King Phetracha ordered his nose cut off.

Kosa Pan's duties were taken over by Okya Maha Amath, one of the King's favorites.

Kosa Pan is said to be the direct ancestor of King Rama I, founder of the present ruling dynasty of Thailand.