Western Writers in Bangkok: Joseph Conrad
Polish sailor Teodor Korzeniowski first visited Bangkok in January 1888 when he was an officer in the British Merchant Navy. He had been sent to the Siamese capital from Seaman's Lodge in Singapore to take command of the Otago, a rusty barque whose captain had died suddenly and most of the crew had been hospitalized with malaria.
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.
Two men lose control of their lives. A horny man who can't get anything done with his younger wife falls into a deep hole. The other is an alcoholic who wants to get money through his son for his drink and goes through life drooling like a rabid dog.
Botan, a writer who stole my heart
I learned more about Thailand from this book than from ten information books. I recommend reading it to anyone interested in Thailand, says Tino Kuis about 'Letters from Thailand' by the Chinese/Thai writer Botan. A preview in this post.
The Fairy Tale of Princess Manorah
Once upon a time there was a Thai princess named Manorah Kinnaree. She was the youngest of 7 Kinnaree daughters of King Parathum and Queen Jantakinnaree. They lived in the mythical kingdom of Mount Grairat.
Book review: 'Return Bangkok'
Peter takes a closer look at the book 'Retour Bangkok' and gives his opinion on Michiel Heijungs' debut novel.
On the way to Noy
I'm on my way to my new flame, her name is Noy and she's so fresh. It is pitch dark over Bangkok and the earth. It is not foreseen that I come. Noy has dense eyebrows sparkling like kohl, very long and healthy hair, a full red mouth. She is a petite appearance.
Superstitions in Thailand
In certain parts of Thailand (North and Northeast), Animism plays a more important role than Buddhism. Superstitions can sometimes take on strange forms, as this list of examples shows.
Phi Hae is a young fisherman who has not finished school and can neither read nor write. He falls in love with Nua Nim who is in high school but how do you tell her if you can't even write a love letter?
The true music lover with a penchant for nostalgia will get their money's worth at 1979 vinyl and Unknown Pleasures at Sukhumvit Soi 55 in Bangkok.
Origin of Songkran
According to the Buddhist scriptures of Wat Pho, Songkran originated from the death of Kapila Brahma (กบิล พรหม).
'An old friend', a short story by Chart Korbjitti
'An Old Friend', a short story by the Thai writer Chart Korbjitti, describes a meeting with an old friend against the background of the events of October 6, 1976. Some find it impossible to let go of the past, others are more successful. Tino Kuis translated it for us.
His own knife; a short story by Chart Kobchitti
About the upper class and the klootjesfolk. Upper-class father and mother introduce their son to a banquet where you are only allowed to sit if you have 'your own knife'. That knife is the privilege of the upper class. There is also a gentleman in a cream colored suit that you better avoid… There is a sinister side to this story. Not for weak stomachs. I warn the reader…
A beggar's wish; poem by Prasatporn Poosusilpadhorn
The writer/poet Prasatporn Poosusilpadhorn (ประสาทพร ภูสุศิลป์ธร, 1950) is better known by his moniker de plume Komtuan/Khomtuan Khantanu (คมทวน ค ันธนู). He has more but prefers to keep them to himself. In 1983 he received the South East Asia (SEA) Write Award for his work.
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.
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: 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.