Further Reading
General
Mai Pen Rai Means Never Mind by Carol Hollinger. Amusing book describing hilarious experiences in Thailand half a century ago.
Travellers’ Tales Thailand edited by James O’Reilly and Larry Habegger. A stimulating collection of observations and true stories from around 50 writers.
Fiction
Bangkok Haunts by John Burdett. More hard-boiled capers with the half-Thai, half-American Buddhist policeman of Bangkok 8 fame.
The Beach by Alex Garland. The beach read that inspired the movie starring Leonardo di Caprio about a group of backpackers trying to find their own paradise. Bangkok’s Khao San area features prominently.
The Big Mango by Jake Needham. An action-adventure story about a search for millions of dollars in cash that went missing during the fall of Saigon in 1975.
Evil in the Land Without by Colin Cotterill. A gripping novel about Detective John Jessel being threatened by a serial killer called “The Paw”.
A Killing Smile by Christopher G. Moore. A gripping thriller set in the capital city of Thailand.
Sleepless in Bangkok by Ian Quartermaine. A tough and funny erotic thriller, based on actual events, about an ex-SAS security consultant on a covert assignment to Siam.
History and Society
The King Never Smiles: A Biography of Thailand’s Bhumibol Adulyadej by Paul M. Handley. An unauthorised portrait of the late King Bhumibol. As monarchy matters are taken very seriously, the book is banned in the kingdom and throughout Southeast Asia.
A History of Thailand, second edition, by Dr Pasuk Phongpaichit and Chris Baker. Concise and well-informed history, mainly of the Rattanakosin period.
A History of Southeast Asia by D.G.E. Hall. The classic history text.
Jim Thompson: The Legendary American by William Warren. The intriguing story of the American Thai silk magnate, Jim Thompson.
The Revolutionary King: The True-Life Sequel to The King and I by William Stevenson. An intimate portrait of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. As monarchy matters are taken very seriously here, the book is unavailable in the kingdom.
Bangkok Then and Now by Steve Van Beek. A hardcover book with many photos both old and new showing how the city has changed in many ways, but also remained the same in others.
The Balancing Act: A History of Modern Thailand by Joseph Wright. Accessible and detailed history of modern Thailand from 1932 to 1991.
Art and Culture
Thai Folk Wisdom: Contemporary Takes on Traditional Proverbs by Tulaya Pornpiriyakulchai and Jane Vejjajiva. Dual-language coffee table book that looks at society through 50 proverbs. Illustrated with paintings by leading Thai artists.
Very Thai: Everyday Popular Culture by Philip Cornwel-Smith. If you’ve ever wondered why every compound in Thailand has a spirit house or why insect treats are such a hit, this book is for you. A must-read for tourists and residents.
Flavours: Thai Contemporary Art by Steven Pettifor. Brimming with colourful illustrations, this is the only book that offers insights into Thailand’s burgeoning contemporary visual arts scene.
The Arts of Thailand by Steve Van Beek and Luca Tettoni. Beautifully illustrated and includes the minor arts.
Things Thai by Tanistha Dansilp and Michael Freeman. Coffee-table book that presents quintessential Thai objects and artefacts.
The Grand Palace by Nngnoi Saksi, Naengnoi Suksri and Michael Freeman. Beautifully illustrated and detailed account of Bangkok’s Grand Palace and its surroundings.
Religion
A History of Buddhism in Siam by Prince Dhani Nivat. Written by one of Thailand’s most respected scholars.
What the Buddha Taught by Walpola Rahula. Comprehensive account of Buddhist doctrine.
Cookery
Thai Food by David Thompson. Almost 700 pages of traditional recipes and food background from the chef at Europe’s only Michelin-starred Thai restaurant.
Other Insight Guides
The Insight Guides series includes several titles on Thailand, including Thailand, Thailand’s Beaches and Islands, Explore Bangkok, and Fleximap Bangkok.