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.
Two beautiful films from ancient Siam (video)
A video came by on my facebook page, and I found another one myself. I enjoyed the images and the music. Why was I not born at that time and place? No cars, planes or smartphones. It makes me so terribly nostalgic.
The first Dutch community in Thailand
The Netherlands has a historical connection with Thailand, which once started with trade relations between the Vereenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie (VOC) and Siam. This Dutch trading company had a trading post in Ayutthaya, which was established in the early 1600s and remained there until the invasion by the Burmese in 1767.
Dear editors, please pay attention to Michael Rogge, he collects old films about Asia and places them on YouTube. Naturally curious, I went to see if there were also old images about Thailand. And there were, beautiful old films about our beloved Siam / Thailand.
The popularity of TV series Bupphaesannivas (Love Destiny) has led to more and more Thais wearing traditional clothes. The series on Chanel 3 is incredibly popular in Thailand. It is a love story set in the period of King Narai the Great (1656-1688), when Ayutthaya was still a capital.
Landmarks of old Pattaya
Pictures of old Pattaya are still hanging in some bars and restaurants. Since that time a lot has changed. Most of the old buildings have disappeared, others are hidden behind large billboards.
If you are a regular reader of Thailand blog, then you know more about Thai history than the average Thai. Do you agree with that?
News from Thailand – November 3, 2014
Today in News from Thailand:
• Petition to National Library: Put historical documents online
• Free access to National Parks on New Year's Eve
• Rich flora and fauna in Bang Kachao, the lungs of Bangkok
Are the Thai people really apathetic and docile?
Thai history books are one hymn to the triumphal march of the Thai people. All blemishes are brushed away. Tino Kuis lists a number of bloody incidents and concludes: Thais are not docile and docile. They desire real control, freedom and social justice as much as any other people.