It is not the big names from history, but the lives of ordinary people that make this book so special. Seri Phongphit and Kevin Hewison show how villages in Isaan evolved under the influence of migration, tradition and modernization. From self-chosen village leaders to the arrival of electricity: this is the forgotten history of a region that remained idiosyncratic, despite pressure from Bangkok.
The 10 Most Famous Books From Thailand You Must Read
Thailand has a wealth of impressive literature that reflects its culture, history and society. From epic tales to modern novels, these ten books offer a fascinating insight into Thai life. Discover sweeping love dramas, historical novels and powerful social commentary that will draw you into the unique world of Thai literature.
The filmed introduction of James Bond in 'Dr. No' in 1962 introduced Western cinema audiences to a world that stimulated their imagination and took them to exotic places that most could only dream of at the time: Jamaica, the Bahamas, Istanbul, Hong Kong and, of course, Thailand.
Western Writers in Bangkok: Paul Theroux
Paul Theroux (°1941) is one of the writers I would like to join right away if I could draw up a guest list for an ultimate dinner. Okay, he's arrogant and know-it-all, but what a writing style that man has…!
Western writers in Bangkok – the Bangkok noir scene
On this blog I have regularly discussed Western writers of all stripes who, for one reason or another, have or had a connection with the Thai capital. Many of them have meanwhile, contrary to their work, given up and are resting on their - no doubt well-deserved - laurels in the Panthenon of the Great and Not So Great Authors.
The creation of the Thai nation is usually viewed from a Western perspective. After all, the West helped make the country what it is today. The influence of the Chinese community is often lost sight of. With the publication of 'The Crown & the Capitalists, the ethnic Chinese and the founding of the Thai nation', writer Wasana Wongsurawat sheds new light on this.
Jim Thompson in 'The Burma deception' by Roel Thijssen
In June of this year there was an article on this blog with a book review of the sixth part in the Graham Marquand series of thrillers by the Belgian writer Roel Thijssen.
I am not telling you a secret when I say that the influence of the Thai army on the social and political developments in the country in the last century has been indispensable. From coup to coup, the military caste not only managed to strengthen its position but also – and this until today – to maintain its grip on the country's government.
Book review: Bencharong Chinese porcelain for Siam
Two years ago River Books in Bangkok published the chic looking book Bencharong – Chinese Porcelain for Siam. A luxuriously published book about an eminently luxurious and exclusive artisanal product. The American author Dawn Fairley Rooney, who lives in Bangkok, was not ready for her test piece. She has already published nine books, four of which are about Southeast Asian ceramics.
It's been a while since the updated version of The Mekong-Turbulent Past, Uncertain Future' by Australian historian Milton Osborne 'rolled off the presses, but that doesn't change the fact that this book has lost any of its value.
This book by Thongchai Winichakul describes how the memories of the massacre at Thammasat University on October 6, 1976 were experienced on a personal and national level. He tells how memories were suppressed because they were too painful and how the memories were distorted. There were no commemorations on a national level for the first twenty years.
Book review: 'Bangkok wakes to rain'
In early 2019 Riverhead Books – an offspring of Penguin Books – published 'Bangkok wakes to Rain', the literary debut of the mainly Brooklyn-based Thai author Pitchaya Sudbanthad.
Book review – Scot Barmé: Woman, Man, Bangkok, Love, Sex and Popular Culture in Thailand
There are books that completely renew my view on aspects of countries, communities and events. The book by Scot Barmé mentioned above, already published in 2002, is such a work. I read it like a thriller in one breath, in a day and a half night.
Phya Anuman Rajadhon พระยาอนุมานราชธน (1888-1969), who became known by his pen name Sathiankoset, can be regarded as one of the most influential pioneers, if not the founder, of modern Thai anthropology.
Books in Bangkok
Those who read my pen fruits on this blog may have noticed a few times that I am a book lover pur sang.
'Expat exit' a new thriller by Patricia Snel
It has been several years since a female blog reader commented on an article, the subject of which I do not remember, frankly said that she had come to Thailand with her husband, but that the marriage had broken down. Whether the cause of the subsequent divorce has to do with the husband's adultery, I do not know, but it is quite conceivable in a country with so many beautiful and lovely ladies.
Book review: The Siamese Trail of Ho Chi Minh
A very long time ago I got to know two old-timers of the French Foreign Legion who were physically and psychologically marked by their - vain efforts - to save the smoldering remains of what was then Indochina from French colonial ambitions.
The Jim Thompson myth
Jim Thompson's life in Thailand is almost legendary. If you have been to Thailand, then that name is known and you also know a bit about what he has done.
“Sometimes I wonder if I was born for the accident. Is this my life now is this my destiny? I pray to Buddha that it will not be so. I don't want this life. Now I'm a country girl trying to escape the clutches of a tiger only to be swallowed by a crocodile. My whole life has been hell and the end is nowhere in sight.”
Book review: Thailand behind the smile
Many books have been published written by 'farang' who reside in Thailand permanently or for part of the year. They want to share their experiences in their new country, often with a Thai person next to them, with the rest of the world. Some fade into oblivion and some stay with you. One of those books is 'Thailand behind the smile' by poet and writer Rob van Vlierden. Its smooth writing style makes it a page turner to read as quickly as possible.