Thailand Books

The classic work on Thailand's mammals with keys, descriptions and distributions for all species. Sadly limited to two printings of 1000 each and hard to get. Like all such books, somewhat dated as knowledge increases. Pertinent to adjacent countries to varying degrees.

This is the most useful map I could find about Thailand, but it's not the most comfortable or durable one, for convenience go for the B & B Map (check out my review about that map).

The best and unbeatable advantage of this map (yet) is that the names of the places on the map are written both in English AND in Thai. Clearly, this is a valuable asset in a country where many locals don't speak (not to say read) the language. For this plus point this map is the best choice hands down.

Downsizes:

This map is big due to its scale of 1:1,400,000 (the biggest in the market) that can be a little clumsy at certain times but allow the existence of many details. Take into account the fact that it's not laminated (unlike the runner up B& B) and therefore not waterproof

Another disadvantage is the fact that there are no city maps alongside the main Thailand map as there are in the maps of most of the competitors. About that I can reveal the fact that in the main cites and islands you will get free copies of similar maps - so the only map you'll really need is the full-size map of Thailand.

A valuable fund of research material.

Provides clear and substantiated outlines of the reasons behind, the history of, andcurrent conditions.

It is a very informative book with 135 recipes for wool, silk and cotton dyeing using local natural dyes like Indigo, Lac, Ebony...More than 150 color photographs. However, the use of Thai names throughout the book easily confused readers. Cost about 19 US dollars.

Very good book for those of us who can't (or don't want to have to) plan ahead and who want recipes that are quick to prepare.
The recipes I have tried so far have been well-explained and set out, the instructions easy to follow, the ingredients readily available and mostly with familiar English names.
Not too many ingredients reference other recipes - it always annoys me when I pick a seemingly quick and simple recipe which requires to a sauce that refers to a soup that refers to....etc.

This book does that very little.
...and the results tasted good too!

I found this book to be very helpful on the manufacture and history of this style of silver jewelry. The price guide at the back of the book gives the collector a good reference of how much to pay at a flea market or antique shop. Many pictures, a few that are a bit fuzzy. The pictures are all in black and white. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

This is an excellent book that covers a neglected, but extremely important historical event, namely the holocaust of the Kingdom of Vientiane by the Siamese armies of Rama III in the earlier part of the 19th century. The Drs. Ngaosyvathn are apparently very accomplished researchers, and left no stone unturned in chronicling the event. This is a book that no serious scholar of Thailand, Laos or Southeast Asia can afford to ignore.

Bangkok Travel Map, Fourth Edition (Periplus Travel Maps). Of ALL the maps available for Bangkok, this was the most recent print. The Periplus Bangkok (5th edition) was very informative and easy to interpret: showing subway & rail routes, major hotels, points of interest, hospitals, etc. Important and useful info for most travelers. It has been 8 years since my last trip to Bangkok and the city has gone through a major expansion in development since then. Even more important than ever to have an up to date map.

This book, written by a Spanish author some 400 years ago, should be an interesting source of information on the Far East as it was known to Europeans at that time. Interesting for those with a dedicated passion for the region and the era, otherwise of course a bit hard-going read.

Similar in layout to the other New Holland guides. Thereby making it obvious that it is not intended for the scientist. Small and handy, perfect for a pocket. However, do not think it only covers a small number of the best known mammals. Several newly discovered mammals are included (e.g. a strange ungulate called the Saola, and a beautifully striped rabbit only discovered in the late 1990's). Most of these are interesting but would never be encountered by the "normal backpacker". Several rarities are also included for example the Lesser One-horned Rhino, of which it is believed that only approx. 60 individuals survives. Almost all of the larger mammals known to occur in this region are described individually with at least one (usually very good) colour photo. The small number of large species not described are almost always mentioned in the description of a relative. The smaller mammals (bats, insectivores etc.) are described in groups (also with at least one photo) usually comprising a genus. The text is strait forward and easy to read for everybody with average English skills. However do not forget your glasses, the text is very small! The text itself is good and actually quite long with the books size in mind. It usually comprises of id, range (no maps!), behaviour, habitat etc. Each species description (incl. photo) comprises 2-1/2 page. A great thing for the novice is the use of easily recognisable thumbnails (an example being deer). Thereby it shouldn't be a problem finding the species your looking for. In the intro of the book a chapter speaks about finding and observing mammals, and 31 national parks or reserves are also mentioned briefly. The thing I find most annoying is the very small number of dark or unclear photos. Another thing to remember is that the book doesn't included whales or dolphins other than the one species which regularly enters fresh water. With the prise and size in mind everybody travelling to this area should bring a copy.