Siam and Portugal began their official relationship in 1511 during the reign of King Ramathibodhi II of Ayutthaya. Portugal was the first European country to develop a relationship with Siam and other kingdoms in the Far East. In addition to trade and religion, the two countries shared their wisdom on military matters, weapon making, navigation and astronomy. Today, traces of the relationship can be found in such traditional sweets as Tong Yib, Tong Yod Foi Tong as well as in the Sino-Portuguese style of architecture on the west coast of southern Thailand.
