Chao Phraya Wichayen Constantine Phaulkon | |
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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 Lopburi, Ayutthaya Kingdom | (aged 40–41)
Cause of death | Decapitation |
Nationality | Greek[1] |
Spouse | |
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 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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,[4] 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[5] and assumed the Thai noble title "Chao Phraya Wichayen" (เจ้าพระยาวิชาเยนทร์).[6]: 59, 64