“Daddy's Hobby: The Story of Lek, a Bar Girl in Pattaya” is the first book in the “Behind The Smile – The Story Of Lek, A Bar Girl In Pattaya” series written by Owen Jones. The book tells the story of Lek, a young woman who works as a bargirl in Pattaya.
The book (and movie) 'Bangkok Hilton' is a true story written by Sandra Gregory and Michael Tierney. It is based on the experiences of Sandra Gregory, who was arrested in Thailand in 1987 for smuggling drugs.
The legend of Nong Harn Lake in Udon Thani
Lake Nong Harn in Udon Thani province turns into a sea of red water lilies every year. The legend of Phadeang and Nang Ai makes a visit to the lake even more attractive, writes Gringo
Today on Thailandblog we pay attention to the book “Killing Smile”. It is an intriguing crime story set in Bangkok and written by Canadian author Christopher G. Moore.
Excitement and adventure in Thailand: New Dutch thriller “Full Moon” reveals the dark side of holidaying
In “Full Moon”, a new Dutch action thriller, an exotic holiday in Thailand for four friends suddenly turns into a perilous adventure. After an exuberant 'Full Moon Party' they become the main suspects in a murder case, causing their dream holiday to turn into a real nightmare.
“Bangkok 8” by John Burdett is a crime novel set in the heart of Bangkok. The book is the first installment of the Sonchai Jitpleecheep series and follows a Thai police detective who investigates the murder of a US naval officer. This story offers a glimpse into Thailand's complex social and political structure, as well as the colorful culture of Bangkok.
Thailand stands at a crossroads of time, where age-old traditions collide and mingle with the waves of modernization. At the heart of this cultural drama is the deep-seated reverence for the monarchy and Buddhism, which together form the country's social and political backbone, even as the voice of youth for change grows louder.
Thailand's most famous private investigator, Warren Olson, returns with even more mind-boggling true stories from his investigative files. From unfortunate cases related to the tsunami to the latest antique and racehorse scams, girls tricked into pornography and boys forced into vices, as well as eccentric American and European husbands and vengeful wives – “Thai Private Eye” covers it all.
Music from Isaan: Luk Thung
What certainly stands out when you watch TV in Thailand is the sometimes typical Isan music. It seems a bit complaining. The music style I am referring to is 'Luk Thung' and comes from the Thai pleng Luk Thung. Loosely translated it means: 'song of a child of the fields'.
Thai mythological snakes: Nagas
You almost always see them at Thai temples and spiritual places: Naga. The word Naga is used in Sanskrit and Pali to denote a deity in the form of the great serpent (or dragon), usually the King Cobra.
This story is about the relationship between city and countryside at the end of the sixties of the last century and perhaps even relevant to today. A group of idealistic student 'volunteers' leaves for a village in Isan to bring 'development' there. A young girl from the village tells what happened and how it ended. How beautiful ideals do not always bring improvement.
About amulets and spirit houses, Thai superstitions
The belief in supernatural powers and evil spirits ensures that a Thai believes that the spirits must be kept happy. If they do not, these evil spirits can cause disaster such as illness and accidents. Thais protect themselves against evil spirits with spirit houses, amulets and medallions.
'Michigan Test' – A short story by Wanit Jarungkit-anan
This story is about the desire of many Thai students to continue their studies, mainly in the United States, in the period after 1960, known as the 'American Era'. This affected up to around 6.000 Thai students annually. When they returned to Thailand, they had often changed in many ways, gained a different view of Thai society, but also increased their chances of getting a good job. But how do you prepare yourself for such a big step? How do you arrange all the necessary documents? And should you actually go?
The Thai National & Other Libraries
It all started in the seventh century BC with the thousands of clay tablets of King Ashurbanipal in Nineveh. A collection of texts that was systematically arranged and catalogued and it has continued in this way for twenty-eight centuries, albeit with trial and error. So the oldest library was that of good old Assurbanipal, the youngest newcomer is the internet.
'Zombie' by The Cranberries, an eternal hit in Thailand
During one of my first trips through Thailand, I ended up in a nightlife venue in Saraburi. The band there played the song 'Zombie' by The Cranberries at least 3 times in one evening. I also heard the song regularly during my later travels. Recently I asked my girlfriend why the song is so popular in Thailand, she couldn't answer that. It was just a classic.
Puang Malai, a Thai flower garland of jasmine
A typical Thai symbol that you encounter everywhere is the Puang Malai, a garland of jasmine flowers. Which is used as decoration, gift and offering. In addition to jasmine, roses, orchids or champak are also processed in a Malai.
What is and what is not possible in Thailand?
Are you going on holiday to Thailand soon? Then make sure that you have read the 'tips' below carefully. Adjusting somewhat to Thai customs and culture is very much appreciated by the Thai.