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In the 1500s, Portugal signed a treaty with Ayutthaya that would
lead to centuries of friendship. The Portuguese were to supply
firearms and weaponries while the Siamese granted them the
rights to live, work, and play in Thailand. With this also came
their freedom to practice their religion. When the fall of
Ayutthaya came in 1767, the Portuguese continued to support to
King Taksin in driving the Burmese out of Siam and even followed
him to the new capital site in present day Bangkok.
Upon
arrival, the Portuguese were given land to build their
communities. On Thonburi side, Santa Cruz Church was established
and quickly became a center for Catholics. However, the
Portuguese were soon to be splintered into two groups. One
decided to follow the leadership of the French clergy that
established the Santa Cruz church in Thonburi while the other
rejected it to go off on their own and eventually built a sister
church Holy Rosary Church on the opposite bank.
Santa
Cruz Church’s presence eventually became the reason for the
surrounding community’s name today. Its architecture, having
Chinese influences, led the locals to nickname it Kudi Jeen,
meaning “Chinese church”. Today, if you find the church, marvel
at its features and history, but also be sure to explore the
winding alleyways of the charming Kudi Jeen neighborhood. You
will find Khanom Farang Kudi Jeen, a Portuguese influenced sweet
baked pastry, yet another heritage of the Portuguese ties. |
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