A Traveler in Siam in the Year 1655 features extracts from the journals of Gijsbert Heeck, a medicinal expert with the Dutch East India Company, one of the first national trading companies formed by the colonial powers of the time.
The publication provides a comprehensive early account of the lower Chao Phraya River area during the mid-17th century.
Originally written in Dutch, Barend Jan Terwiel translated the original manuscript into English so that the detailed account of historical records can contribute to studies of Siam.
The 124-page book offers a complete edition of the Siam section of Heeck’s journal, accompanied by the original Dutch text. The original manuscript is housed in the National Archives in The Hague, the Netherlands, under the title Nieuwe Aanwinsten 1903, No. XV. The journal’s other sections include accounts of Heeck's visits to Java (Indonesia) and South Africa. Terwiel believes that the manuscript is generally accurate. It has already contributed to historical records and was used as a source for at least two research publications.
The book contains the daily journal entries of Gijsbert Heeck (1619-1669) during his third trip to the Dutch East Indies (modern day Indonesia). Heeck was accompanied on his travels by his nine-year-old son, along with 60 sailors and soldiers.
The journal reveals that Heeck first sets sail late in 1654 from the Netherlands to arrive at the mouth of the Chao Phraya River in late August 1655, during the reign of King Prasat Thong (1629-1656).
Traveling aboard De Walvisch ('The Whale'), the ship eventually anchors at the mouth of the river for the exchange of goods, which allows Heeck to transfer to a sloop to travel 150 kilometers up the river to Ayutthaya, where they spend almost two months. The book provides a detailed description of the Dutch trading lodge in Ayutthaya, as well as the physical appearance of the city and its polity.
The journal describes fascinating glimpses into geographical areas and settlements along the lower Chao Phraya River as the sloop takes Heeck from Ayutthaya to settlements around Bangkok, which was already a major hub for trade. Traders' goods were mainly bought and sold aboard boats.
Heeck gives a detailed description of the local populations and their daily activities, which mainly revolved around rice cultivation and looking after livestock. His records include details on the settlement of ethnic Mons on the island of Koh Kred and a number of villages specializing in making coffins, preparing and selling firewood, and painting.
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Heeck provides a unique early perspective on local social arrangements, mentioning the various living conditions among people of different classes and status, such as monks or ordinary lay people.
The book gives detailed descriptions of temples and Buddha images, along with local religious practices along with the routine activities of monks and novices.
The book allows readers to examine Heeck’s attitude toward Thai traditions and practices. It reveals clashes between Heeck’s western philosophies, steeped in Protestant ideologies, and the local people’s eastern credence based on Buddhism and the supernatural.
Part of the journal refers to relationships between Dutch men of all ranks and local women, who were seen as mistresses or concubines. He also remarks on the predicaments faced by the children resulting from these relationships.
The book features reproductions of ancient manuscripts and maps, illustrations, as well as present-day photos of historical art objects and artifacts. The book is categorized as 'rare' among several leading online bookstores even though it was only published recently.
In short, A Traveler in Siam in the Year 1655 provides readers with a better perspective of the fascinating and iconic Ayutthaya period.
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