Inalco hosted an event focused on the Franco-Siamese historical relationship, centered on Kosa Pan, the ambassador of the Kingdom of Siam to Louis XIV in 1686. The event highlighted the book "Kosa Pan at the Court of Louis XIV (1686-1698), A Siamese Voice in French Archives", co-authored by Thissana Weerakietsoontorn.
Thai historian Thissana Weerakietsoontorn, who holds a doctorate in Far Eastern Studies from EPHE-PSL and teaches at Ramkhamhaeng University in Bangkok, presented her research. Her work, focusing on the translation and analysis of rare Thai and French documents, aims to deepen the understanding of diplomatic, religious, and cultural exchanges between Siam and Europe during the early modern period, by incorporating the Siamese perspective.
The gathering brought together academic and institutional figures, including Father Vincent Sénéchal, Superior General of the Missions Étrangères de Paris, and Soravij Bhirombhakdi, Senior Executive Vice President of Boon Rawd Brewery Company Ltd. The book presentation by Julien Spiewak, communications director for the Missions Étrangères de Paris, preceded Thissana Weerakietsoontorn's lecture.
Through its Foundation, Inalco upholds a long tradition of teaching and research on Thailand, celebrating 150 years of Thai studies in 2024. The Thai studies section currently has 115 students and is part of the Southeast Asia Center (CASE). Excellence scholarships, supported by the Royal Thai Embassy in France, facilitate student mobility.
The Inalco Foundation, in partnership with the EFEO, has also organized symposia on key figures in Franco-Thai academic relations, such as Prince Damrong Rajanubhab and historian George Cœdès. These initiatives, supported by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and the Guimet Museum, aim to foster ongoing scientific and cultural exchanges between France and Thailand.
