The Intriguing Story of Chao Phraya Kosapan and His 22 Wives
Unveiling the Cultural Differences: Marriage Norms in Thailand
In a fascinating encounter during his time as ambassador to France, Chao Phraya Kosapan, a prominent figure in Thai history, found himself answering some curious questions about his marital status. A French woman boldly inquired, “How many wives do you have?” without sensing any offense.
To her surprise, Chao Phraya Kosapan responded, “22.” He went on to explain that while this may be perceived as peculiar in France, it is quite ordinary in Thailand. In fact, having multiple wives is considered a testament to one’s virtues and merits in Thai society.
The account of this intriguing incident, which sheds light on the social life of Chao Phraya Kosapan while in France, is detailed in the book “Social Life of Kosapan While Living in France” by Dr. Wiboon Wichitwathakarn.
A Curious Encounter with a French Woman
During his diplomatic mission, Chao Phraya Kosapan encountered a young French woman who, in a casual manner, expressed her willingness to become the wife of his prince. However, she acknowledged the fact that it is customary in Thailand for men to have multiple wives without deviating from the traditions of husband and wife.
The ambassador, demonstrating his understanding and respectful nature, assured her, “No, it is not offensive. In fact, if she agrees, we will make sure she feels at ease, despite the presence of numerous concubines. We will provide her with the best accommodation, surpassing that of the others, and shower her with royal honors.”
Intrigued by the cultural differences, the woman further inquired, “How many mistresses do you have? I am genuinely curious.” To her astonishment, Chao Phraya Kosapan nonchalantly responded, “We have 22.”
The woman, caught off guard, exclaimed, “Oh, my God! Only 22? That’s not a lot at all! Oh, but that is indeed plenty!”
The ambassador seized the opportunity to elucidate the stark contrast between Thai customs and those followed in France. He emphasized that what may seem unusual to the locals of this city is entirely conventional in Thailand. In fact, having more wives symbolizes greater merit and prosperity. He playfully challenged anyone to resist such popularity, asserting that it is as difficult as rolling a mortar uphill. Comparing the French tradition of monogamy, he humorously remarked that even a single woman, upon her demise, could have up to 22 husbands without raising eyebrows.
The Ripple Effect of the Rumor
This tale of Chao Phraya Kosapan’s 22 wives soon became the talk of the palace, with the nobles and ladies delighting in teasing one another. During a festive gathering, a French nobleman teasingly extended his well wishes to all 22 wives of the ambassador, stating, “May everyone live happily, regardless of their number. Blessings should be bestowed upon each and every one of them.”
In response, Chao Phraya Kosapan, with his characteristic grace, expressed his desire for happiness, regardless of the magnitude. He reciprocated the nobleman’s blessings and confessed that he almost wished for 22 wives like himself. However, he was quick to note that he feared being incapable of satisfying his existing wife and, therefore, refrained from pursuing such aspirations. Nevertheless, he conveyed his sincere wishes, bidding the nobleman good luck.
This mesmerizing account offers a captivating glimpse into the intricacies of Thai culture and its distinctive approach to marital relationships. Chao Phraya Kosapan’s diplomatic journey to France not only fostered international relations but also provided a fascinating lesson in cultural diversity.
In the stories of Chao Phraya Kosapan The time he went as ambassador to France A French woman asked, How many wives does Chao Phraya Kosapan have? He answered: 22. and he said that this issue in France could be strange But Thailand is not strange. Because the more wives you have Is equal to having many virtues.
Information from “Social life of Kosapan while living in France” by Dr. Wiboon Wichitwathakarn One passage states that a young woman I asked in a casual way.
“Your Majesty, They say that I agree to be the wife of your prince. Will you take me as your wife? In fact, you probably already have a wife, right? But I understand that it is not offensive. Because I heard someone say that anyone in Thailand can have as many wives as they want, and it is not considered against the tradition of husband and wife.
The ambassador replied, “No, it is not offensive. If she agreed then I guess we’ll take care of him so he doesn’t feel worried about how many of his concubines we have. I will make it more than them. Dormitory room We will arrange our best. that we can arrange Give her all royal honors.”
The woman then asked the ambassador further: “That little mistress. How many do you have? I really want to know. Can you please tell me?”
“Yes, yes. Why not? We only have 22 people.”
“Oh, my God, there’s 22 people, right? Oh, that’s not a lot at all. 22 people. Oh, that’s really a lot, a lot.”
“Here she is. Don’t be alarmed yet, I tell you, He finds it strange that we have 22 wives, because I never heard it from anyone in this city. But in Thailand No one saw anything strange. Anyone can have as much as they want. Furthermore, the more people have, the more they are considered a person with more merit and fortune. When the locals were popular like this Who can resist his popularity? Anyone who does it is harder than rolling a mortar up a mountain. Don’t say it’s anywhere else, look at this French city. Isn’t there a practice of monogamy these days? If there is a new tradition A single woman can have up to 22 husbands if she is already dead. You probably don’t see anything strange. It will seem strange that there will only be one person.”
This story about Kosapan having 22 wives became a rumor throughout the palace. The nobles and ladies of the palace cheerfully criticized each other. One day after the feast A French nobleman pretended to tease Kosapan again.
He also extended his blessing to 22 of the ambassador’s wives. “May everyone live happily, even if there are a few. Understand that blessings can be extended to all of them.”
The ambassador replied: “No matter how big or small, please. We live happily. He lived happily. This is more important than anything else, and we bless you. I almost wish I had 22 wives, just like us. But he was afraid that he wouldn’t be satisfied with the wife he already had, he wouldn’t have given her his blessing and he would have clearly indicated the way to achieve it. But this time we will hold off for now. He says, “Good luck.”
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