Books About Thailand

[rndreyfuss]

Not to disparage thaivisa.com, but over at the Thai-UK forum, there's a pretty comprehensive listing of all the books on or about Thailand along with reviews. Worth checking out.

http://thailand-uk.com/groupee/forums/a/frm/f/76010002

[Ulysses G.]

Not to disparage thaivisa.com, but over at the Thai-UK forum, there's a pretty comprehensive listing of all the books on or about Thailand along with reviews. Worth checking out.

http://thailand-uk.com/groupee/forums/a/frm/f/76010002

What a complete waste of time.

No bashing!

[Octaviousbp]

I just finished "The Gods Drink Whiskey" by Stephen Asma, and while at some points I found it extremely frustrating, I also found it a fairly good read. It takes place mostly in Cambodia, however Thailand, and Vietnam also creap into it.

[Cassandra]

The English translation of Tales of Sri Thanonchai, Thailand's Artful Trickster is also a good one for anyone delving into Thai culture because it's known to every Thai. And they seem to admire the hero.

Very good recommendation and you touch on an important truth.In Thailand there is generally very little sympathy wasted for the duped and as you point out a general sneaking admiration for the trickster.

[Cassandra]

I've recently enjoyed reading Baker and Pongpaichit's "History of Thailand". It sensibly squeezes everything pre-1887 into one chapter and gives a very readable account of the post WW2 era in good detail. They play up the role of the Assembly of the Poor and "people's politics" as a possible alternative to the present "money politics", with a useful little profile section of the main characters in the book towards the end. Published by Cambridge University Press I think. Well worth the cover price if you see it.

By the way, Pira Sudham's books are good accounts of life in Isaan (with the exception of Force of Kharma) and realistic sketches of its people by an author who's first langauge is not English, but Thai. Therefore, I think OAH's comments are rather too personal and below the belt against Sudham, prompted it seems by nothing more than a bit of apparent self-promotion by the man - hardly a rare crime in the world of literature. Move on OAH with your personal gripe....

Yes Chris Baker and Khun Pasuk's new history is excellent, and is particularly interesting on what it means to be "Thai".I am slightly surprised they got away with it as the arguments are rather subversive of what passes for history in the Thai educational system.

I'm sorry to return to the subject of Pira Sudham.Leaving his ludicrous and puffed up self promotion to one side,I really don't think he is a serious or even entertaining writer.He is just a hack largely appealing to gullible and relatively newly arrived farangs still in the besotted stage.This is not as a matter of fact a particularly controversial opinion but he seems to have a fan club on Thai Visa (see above for likely description).For the spirit of Isaan one would be better off studying morlam culture.

[Octaviousbp]

Another request, if I may. I'm also quite curious about Burma, and specifically the similarities/differences between the two (Thailand and Burma) historically (pre-colonial times for Burma). Books, articles, anything that discusses/contrasts shared culture, religion, people, etc. would be great. The history of SEA is so rich, rather enthralling really!

[sonnyJ]

About Burma;

The Stone of Heaven, very interesting read, it's mostly about China though.. (That jade comes from Burma after all).

Suu Kyi's Freedom From Fear, Orwell's Burmese Days, MacLean's Under The Dragon, Cox's Chasing The Dragon,,,,,,

Coy's The Politics of Heroin is also related.

As travel guides Lonely Planet is still by far without any rivals to be conserned seriously, at least in SEA.

[rndreyfuss]

######, I just read a good book on Burma but I can't remember the name - Green something something. I'll post again when my memory is refreshened.

Also, haven't seen David Young mentioned. Thought "Sukhumvit Road" was stellar. Read "The Scribe" long ago but see he has 2-3 others.

Got it! From the Land of Green Ghosts!

[sonnyJ]

Burma, very different from Thailand really. Different language base, etc. Well it's a different world, with many minorities related to Thai sure.

Even the Buddhism is considered very differently.

There must be some pre-colonial historics available...

French man Levi-Strauss among other ethnologists was studying some Chin minorities in 20th century. Even time of colonialism already, them were almost isolated from central Burma gov. but surely had some foreign influences.

Edited January 6, 2006 by sonnyJ

[Octaviousbp]

Any chance this topic could be pinned? The actual information in it is worthwhile if you can cut through the banter... maybe even a subforum?

[English Noodles]

Not to disparage thaivisa.com, but over at the Thai-UK forum, there's a pretty comprehensive listing of all the books on or about Thailand along with reviews. Worth checking out.

http://thailand-uk.com/groupee/forums/a/frm/f/76010002

Cool i did not even know about that site.

Cheers

[wozza]

I am starting to read a novel called Verisimilitude by Harry Nicolaides about an English Teacher in Thailand ,Interesting so far

[johna]

"A Man Called Intrepid" translated by His Majesty King Bhumibol.

The story of Willian Stevenson during WW2. Admittedly, haven't got too far into it as yet since my Thai reading ability is somewhat rudimentary...

William Stevenson’s book “A Revolutionary King” was published in 1999, and at the time Stevenson gave an interview to the BBC claiming his book was unofficially banned for reasons I will not go into here. Stevenson says he was given unprecedented access to the King and family over a 5 to 7 year period, the book itself is good but could have been a lot better given the access and time Stevenson claims.

Monica Jensen-Stevenson and William Stevenson wrote an excellent Book called “KISS THE BOYS GOOBBYE” how the US betrayed its POWs in Vietnam.

A curious coincidence as Maj. Mark Smith a former Green Beret, and one of the men mentioned in the book as searching for those POWs has a letter in today’s Nation newspaper.

[meadish_sweetball]

Jake Needham's KILLING PLATO and LAUNDRY MAN.

Unfortunately both books are hard to find in Thailand since so far they've only been published in hardback size.

I have seen both "The Big Mango" and "Killing Plato" in paperback in a number of places.

Both excellent reads.

Never heard of the "Laundryman" is that new?

Cheers

TP

LAUNDRY MAN was published before KILLING PLATO. Needham's books have been difficult to find in Thailand ever since he switched from Asia Books to an international publisher. According to Stickman, the reason is that Asia Books has refused to distribute any of Needham's books published after THE BIG MANGO, the first version of which they originally published themselves.

Still, Needham's books are well known and get a lot of attention outside of Thailand. They seem to be readily avilable in places like Singapore and Hong Kong, and occasionally some of the Bangkok book dealers import them directly.

It's a shame more people in Thailand don't know Needham's books. They make for an intelligent change from the bargirl cliches with which Thailand-set books are generally associated.

I have only read the Big Mango by Jake Needham, which I felt was as insightful as a bag of potato chips dropped off a tourist barge on the Chao Phraya. The style with an old American male hero is so incredibly tedious.

If you want a great read about this area (not tiringly academic, nor ethnically correct, neither the kind of cliche writings Needham displays in The Big Mango), then try The Glass Palace by Amitav Ghosh. It is mainly about Burma, but makes little excursions down to Malaysia as well.

I have to say that of the books I have read about Thailand, not a single one has been really enjoyable, except for The Beach, and that is not because of its Thailand-related content, just because it is a genuinely fun and fast-paced read.

'Four reigns' by Kukrit Pramoj is also worth a read, although not a great a novel.

I will definitely try 'Siam Mapped'.

[skylar]

Pretty much all of the major modern fiction books have been mentioned, bar Chart Korbjitti's books. A lot of Thais have got a bee in their bonnet about his novels, particularly Mad Dogs and Co with the beach communities. I have to admit his novels are very un-Thai as they are extremely negative and confronting.

I haven't been able to find any of the classic Thai novels bar Botan's Letters from Thailand and MR Kukrit Pramoj's novels... even at Chula, people told me that they were very old. I find it hard to believe that An Elephant Named Maliwan and Jan Dara aren't in print in either Thai or the translated versions. I gave up on trying to read A Child of the North East in Thai... the language is so confusing that I found it hard to enjoy. I couldn't find a translated version.

I don't read any of the bar scene books because I am not interested in the subject matter. This is because I have no similar experiences, nor do I wish to learn about the bar scene in Thailand. However, there is a market for books on this subject as there is a large number of people who can relate to them.

Pira Sudham's books have become the source of much debate on this thread. Pira's books were aimed at English speaking farangs in Thailand and overseas who do not have access to Thai society and culture. They were not intended for farangs who socialise with Thais. The writing style is simple, yes, but the themes he chose to write about give a reader who lives on the circumference of Thai society basic insights as to how Isaan society and Thai society interact and operate. These books do have their place in early 90s to pre-Economic Crisis fiction, but not beyond that. Does anyone know why he has picked up the name 'Canning'?

'Sightseeing' by Rattawut Lapcharoensap. Lots of short stories about modern Thailand, insightful, and entertaining. Perhaps some dont like it because of the subtle anti-Americanism that runs through some of the stories, but I did!

All these stories are about modern-day Thailand. I initially despised the first short story, called 'Farangs', for the slutty way in which it portrayed the American female. Then, after I calmed down, I realised it was the stereotypical image that Thais have about Westerners that was really the theme. It isn't anti-American or anti-Westerner. I really enjoyed the subsequent stories, however, especially 'Priscilla the Cambodian'.

[robitusson]

Platform by Michel Houellebeque is the best Thailand book. Excellently filthy, really funny and very telling at the same time. 5 stars.

[Valjean]

One I didn't see mentioned here but my favorite Thai-based fiction is "Jasmine Nights" by S.P. Somtow. I liked this a lot and hightly recommend.

"A Child of the Northeast" by Boontawee was good (sloppy translation)

"Letters from Thailand" was good - it got a little long for me but a good read

I thought "Bridging the Gap" by Niratpattanasai was the best of the how to work in Thailand and with Thais (I read most anything I could find as I was coming here to work)

"Wondering into Thai Culture" by Redmond remains one that I re-read chapters from time to time. Thoughtful

"Many Lives" by Pramoj wasn't on my must read list but it was worthwhile and interesting reflection on life from different angles in any event.

I use "Thai, An Essential Grammar" by Smyth all the time. Apart from a dictionary it's my number one Thai reference book

"Thailand Fever" by Pirazzi/Vasant I recommened. In particular to Thai girls I date. Common response "I had no idea you were so different". Title sounds tacky but it's a very handy guide.

Thanks to many for a good list of books to read even if it does take some time to filter them out.

oh and I read "Private Dance" and well I think I'll just sign-off now....

[Thaiboxer]

One of my first books on Thailand was "Fodor's: Exploring Thailand". This book was put out by the Automobile Association in the UK. Although it's from 1997, much of the information is still valid today and the pictures are excellent. I have another Thailand guide from Insight but the Fodor's one packs more information.

[Artisan]

Touch the Dragon by Karen Connelly.

The experiences of a young Canadian girl - an exchange student - living out in the boonies with no other foreigners, going to school with Thais and seeing the real Thailand.

I first read "Touch the Dragon" ten years ago and I thought that it was an amazing read. Poignant, accurate, eloquent and humorous...especially when she describes Thai script as looking like acrobatic sperm cells.

[Artisan]

"Wondering into Thai Culture" by Redmond remains one that I re-read chapters from time to time. Thoughtful

Yes, me too...but verbally extravagant and, because of this, can be heavy going in places.

[cooL_guY_corY]

any suggestions on where to find Thai for Beginners by Benjawan P Becker? Sounds pretty common place although i've never seen it. Any chains carry it ? I live in Khon Kaen..

[robitusson]

any suggestions on where to find Thai for Beginners by Benjawan P Becker? Sounds pretty common place although i've never seen it. Any chains carry it ? I live in Khon Kaen..

Asia books.

[maprao]

Private Dancer by Stephen Leather and Touch the Dragon by Karen Connelly.

The first describes the Farang oriented sex-industry in Thailand perfectly, the second is the experiences of a young Canadian girl - an exchange student - living out in the boonies with  no other foreigners, going to school with Thais and seeing the real Thailand.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Why doesnt it surprise me that you endorse a piece of crap like Leathers book.

It is poorly written with many continuity errors, it also puts across the stereotypical view of the girls in a manner that so many of us here want to try and change.

If you want to read a good novel about Thailand, read "The Bangkok Secret" it is well researched and historically correct.

Stereo typical view, ouch hit a nerve?? Looking in the "grajok" perhaps? It is very accurate of the sex scene in Thailand and should be compulsory reading for newbie Nana Square, Walking Street or Bangla road first timers. Some well educated qualified and sensible people I know should read it at least twice! Alas even if they did they would probably continue to act as "Water Buffalo "

On a more serious note just finished “Thailand Fever” by Chris Pirazzi and Vitida Vasant. Should anyone be thinking of pursuing a relationship with a Thai it makes excellent reading! The road map for Thai Western relationships is in English on one page and then in Thai on the other. Very good book both my wife and I finished it in 1 day!

[Backpack_thailand]

The Damage Done - Warren Fellows

If you read this before arriving in Thailand then I GUARANTEE you will never, ever do anything wrong here...!!!

[lannarebirth]

I would love to find out your favorite book about Thailand, Thai culture, or maybe your favorite novel set in Thailand, or your favorite prison book or whatever. Books about Thailand. I've got five to post:

Wondering Into Thai Culture - Mont Redmond

Culture Shock - Robert and Nanthapa Cooper

The Greek Favorite of the King of Siam - Luang Stisayamkan (Not a bad read)

Thailand: A Short History - David K. Wyatt

Studies In Thailand - David K. Wyatt

Please any favorites you may have. Thanks! Happy New Year.

FL

"Letters From Thailand" --Botan--

Chronicles the the interaction and friction between ethnic Chinese and Thais

"The Judgement" --Chart Korbjitti--

Very good novel (as are all his others) showing the rumor mongering, small mindedness and caste system of local villagers.

"Child Of the Northeast" --Kampoon Boontawee--

A really lovely book depicting one year from the childhood of the author, in Isaan.

[lannarebirth]

A Nobel Prize for Literature nominee living in rural Isan? It's true! I recommend ANY of Pira Sudham's books. The author, from a little village in Buriram Province, was educated abroad and explains Isan culture to the rest of the world, writing in high-quality English, utilizing fiction as his medium. He has an excellent vantage point from three cultures: Thai, Isan and the West.

Especially if you live upcountry, well worth the read. My Isan university students confirm that his writings are culturally on-target. It has heavily influenced (and helped) my own relationships with the people of Isan.

Of his 5-6 books, I'd recommend starting with:

Monsoon Country

then

The Force of Karma

Both books are also combined into a recent anthology, Shadowed Country.

Well, I've read all of Sudham's books and my review would be less generous. His "People Of Esarn" is probably the best. The two you mention suffer from horribly affected english prose. It was distracting while reading it. I later wondered if the affectation wasn't on purpose to show how his mind was "maimed" bya Thai education and affected what he believed was good writing to hide his upbringing.

[thedivezone]

Best liked : "Pat Pong - Bangkok's big little street" by Alan Dawson

Haven't seen it around for a few years, maybe my copy is getting collector's value.

Least liked : All the books by Jake Needham, i only needed to read one of his, Big Mango, to find out !

Mike

[ProfessorFart]

Very good novel (as are all his others) showing the rumor mongering, small mindedness and caste system of local villagers.

I wouldn't call it a caste system as such. Its more an attack on status in society through Fak's relationship with the Headmaster and how no one believes Fak when the Headmaster steals his money.

[lannarebirth]

Very good novel (as are all his others) showing the rumor mongering, small mindedness and caste system of local villagers.

I wouldn't call it a caste system as such. Its more an attack on status in society through Fak's relationship with the Headmaster and how no one believes Fak when the Headmaster steals his money.

Well, I think of it as a de facto caste system. Every Thai I know, knows who they are "bigger" than and who is "bigger" than them. From "local" people to "hi-so". They seemed preconditioned with respect to how to regard another Thai. It's a great benefit to those "perceived" to be at the higher end of the social strata and a great handicap for those perceived to be at the lower end. I imagine any change to this way of thinking will occur only generationally and only through enhanced mandatory education for all.

[ProfessorFart]

The main difference is that status is changable, caste is not.

I don't mean to sound nit picky but there really is a world of difference. I agree whole heartedly about the question of perception, however in Thailand a man or woman has the chance, no matter how difficult, to break his or her status.