KERIS IN SIAM

   The Keris influence was not limited to the Malay world. The capital of Siam, Ayutthaya was one of the largest cities of S-E Asia, in 1658-1659, Phra Narai, the king of Siam has given asylum to 773 Minangkabau from Sumatra and in 1664 to 250 Macassar, who were allowed to build their Kampung next to a Malay community of twenty thousands. 

   Through this immigration the Keris was well known and had such a reputation, that it was worn at the Siam court in the 17^th century.

   "I have often said that the city of Campeng Pet is famous for its mines of excellent iron. Local people forge weapons according to their usage, such as swords, daggers and knifes. The knife, which they call pen is used by everybody and is not considered as a weapon, although it may be used as such; the blade is three to four fingers wide and a foot long. The king gives the sword and the dagger. They wear the dagger on their left side, slightly on front. Portuguese call it "christ", a deviation from the word crid, which Siamese use. This word comes from the Malay language and is famous in the Oriental world, and the crids made in Achem, in the island of Sumatra, are considered as the best of all. As for the sword, it is always carried by a slave in front of his master, on the right shoulder, like we hold or muskets on the left side."

   Source: Simon de La Loubère "Du royaume de Siam" 1691