Good Reads

"A Traveler in Siam in the Year 1655", by Gijsbert Heeck.

"At one of the left-side corners of the office [square], next to the horse stable, there is another door with a wide bridge [over the moat] leading to the house or living quarters of Chao Sut, whom I mentioned earlier. This is because she is often very useful to the Company's staff in the trade with Siam. Over time she has become quite skilled in this, and at present she annually supplies all the wax and other trading goods to the Company. In reward for her good services, and because (as mentioned) the king often confiscates the wealth acquired by individuals as soon as he is aware of it, she keeps this back door ajar so that she can quickly hide her wealth with us. They often get together for a neighborly chat and, since this woman is well informed about what happens at court and reports about it well and clearly, her person is recommended (from Batavia) and directors are ordered (from the top) to maintain good relations with her." 

Page 56.