Foreign land ownership isn't a novel issue in Thailand. During the Ayutthaya period between 1351-1767 AD, a handful of foreigners who were deemed to have made valuable contributions to the kingdom were awarded large plots of land -- among whom were Constantine Phaulkon, a Greek adventurer who became a counsellor to King Narai and received the noble title of Chao Phraya, and the Japanese samurai Yamada Nagamasa, who also received the title of Phraya.