Sixth: Chao-phaya-phollathep, or khrom-na, minister of agriculture and produce.
Seventh: Chao-phaya-therama-terat, or chroma-wang, governor of the royal palace.
The mission, during its stay in the country, had intercourse only with the praklang, and the subordinate officers of his department. These were:—
First: Chao-phaya praklang: Chao-phaya is the first in order of the honorary titles. Praklang is said to signify, “lord of the store-houses,” and is the title of the office. This signification corresponds with the title given to him by the Chinese, viz.: “Great minister of the treasuries or store-houses.”
Second: Phaya-si-piphat. This office is held by one of the brothers of the praklang. Phaya is the second honorary title.
Third: Phaya-piphat-kossa, called by the Portuguese, the second praklang.
The other officers in this department, consisting of four phayas, two pras, (or officers of the third rank,) eleven luangs, (of the fourth rank,) &c., were never met with by the mission, except when in the presence, and acting under the orders, of their superiors.
Connected with this department is that of the Farang-khroma-tha, “Frank (or European) commercial board,” under the direction of the Luang-sura-sakhon, chief of the Linguists, or captain of the port. This office is at present held by Sur-Jose-da-Piedade.
The commander of the artillery, Phaya-viset, Song-khiam, is also often brought in connexion with foreign missions. This office is held by Sur-Beneditto-de-Arvellegeria, a Cambojan Portuguese, who, with his brother, Sur-Pascoal, has been for many years in the employ of the king of Siam. The governors of all provinces, whether great or small, are of the second rank, or phayas, with one exception, that of the governor of Ligore, called Chao-phaya-lahhon. Their subordinate officers are not known.