Going UP Market-(Look out Trink)

* Book of the Week: The Gate SAN DIEGO, March 11 ( UPI)- ' The Gate' by Franýois Bizot is a gripping account of a young Frenchman's love for Cambodia, his capture and torture by the Khmer Rouge and his futile attempts to alert the West to what was happening in that cou,08:45 Mar 11, 2003  :cool:

Thai National Anthem..

I have been asked by a number of people if I know anything of it.

FYIO..

Please treat with utmost respect.

When you are in Thailand you might notice that the national anthem is played twice a day at 8 a.m and 6 p.m. It is played on all radio and tv stations as well at bus stations, police stations and other civic centres. Wherever you are you should be prepared to stop what you are doing and stand up politely.

National Anthem:Thai.

bra thet thai ruam lueard nuea chart chuea thai

ben bra cha rat pha-thai khong thai took suan

yoo dam rong kong wai dai tang muan

duay thai luan mai rak sa mak kee

thai nee rak sa-ngobdtae thueng rob mai khlard

aek-ga rart ja mai hai krai khom khee

sa-la luead took yard ben chart plee

tha-loeng bra thet chart thai ta-wee mee chaicha-yo

   

National Anthem:English.

The music of the Thai national anthem was composed in 1932 by Professor Phra Jenduriyang and its lyrics were written in 1939 by Colonel Luang Saranuprabhandi.

"Thailand is the unity of Thai blood and body.

The whole country belongs to the Thai people, maintaining thus far for the Thai.

All Thais intend to unite together.

Thais love peace but do not fear to fight.

They will never let anyone threaten their independence.

They will sacrifice every drop of their blood to contribute to the nation, will serve their country with pride and prestige full of victory.

CHAI YO. [Cheers].

I found this sample online so people can listen to it.

Actually an excellent webpage to learn the anthem from as you hear the words sung, you have the Thai words/pronounciations.

Sample of school children singing the anthen

http://www.learningthai.com/songs/anthem_02.html

Regards

List of good bookstores and reviews off some of the latest editions:

http://www.groovybangkok.com/other_bookstores.htm

Christopher Moore (the "Hemingway of Sukhumvit & Bangkok", deeply philosophical as well as an entertaining vision of the other side of Expat life in Bangkok

SPIRIT HOUSE-- FREE COPY:

For the first time you can download the first novel in the Vincent Calvino Private Eye Series Spirit House (Download your free copy click here).

:cool:

A book that I actually found extremely helpful was Frommer's travel guide. I know this isn't the same type of book as the previous posts, but it was extremely helpful in cultural tips and places in Bangkok. They have an etiquette section and other helpful hints to specific cities.