Thailand Books

I was led to this book after some 6 months of working in Bangkok. It is a series of ahaa moments, you will find yourself saying " so that's why that happened" or "that's why that didn't work".

It has a very good build up with some good contectual support from foreigners. I would say that the best time to read this is after already working here, but not for too long. If you are thinking of working in Thailand or soon to start this might not be the best read. For me it's definitely a case of correction is better than prevention.

This book was originally recommended to me by a local Thai who had read it to get a view as to how foreigners perceive Thais. He thought it so accurate and useful that he recommended all of his foreign friends to read it. The book is a quick and easy read with general topics broken down into chapters and practical examples (with interviews and follow-ups) provided for each topic. The best way to utilize this book would be to read it once before you begin work and then once after having worked in Thailand (or with Thais overseas) for 6 months. I read it after having worked for a period of time and it certainly did a lot to explain some of the issues we faced at work. Highly recommended as I found it to be much more practical than the books that were given to me upon my arrival in Thailand.

This book is impressive both as an in-depth look at a fascinating group and as a work of love. The author has lived in southeast Asia for 30 years, and he "lives" the material. The text demonstrates a keen understanding of values, flavors, and exigencies of Yao life. However, the life of this book is in the 600+ photographs, which capture every part of Yao culture. They are split among 3 categories: modern photographs of Yao life, vintage photographs of similar scenes, and photographs of every piece of material culture a Yao person would need in life. The captions put the photographs in context, so that the book can be used for quick reference as well as for sequential reading. The straight-forward system of organization (for example, by the various components of the female costume) gives it added value as an "identifier" of a given textile or other object in hand. This markedly increases its value to a collector. For readers unfamiliar with the group or those observing them solely from a distance, this book is likely to engender an urge to get on a plane and journey to see Yao society up close. This is very possible, especially in northern Viet Nam, and the reader would be well advised to finish the book, pack it in the suitcase, and get on the plane.

This is a remarkable book on the subject of the Yao ethenic tribe. Rather than making it a purely scholarly research article the author traced and studied the heritage of different Yao tribes.

Jess Pourrett went inside remote China, Vietnam, and Laos and found the links with the Chinese. It contains much samples of Yao's customs, ethonology with very convincing evidence about a mountain dwelling group left China sometime ago.

Perhaps, the book can be added with linguistics. For example, a chart comparison of different tribal dialects on common objects, number systems will really make this book a more distinguished and more convincing they are separate from the the Han people. Samples of burial tomb stones,excerts of love songs etc are also highly treasured topics.

The book in by no means comprehensive. There is more to be studied and researched. If there is more citations from authorative sources like China research sources, the origin of the Yao people from Yangtze Valley will be better understood. I am under the impression that Yao people might have been forced to leave. Also the links with Hmong or Miao are suggested but not substantiated.

This is an excellent and well illustrated book on embroidery, jewellery. A colorful well illustrated reference book or just for reading enjoyment. Good job, Jesse.

Sam Shueh

This is an excellent book by someone who has obviously been to Thailand to research and to reconfirm a love of Thai cuisine. There is nothing worthy or earnest or preachy about THIS vegetarian food-writer; it's a beautiful edition (and the pages stay open where you want them) and as either an intro or a revisit to Thai food, it is easy to follow, clear but always interesting.

Book arrived within a few days and was in the condition that it was described or better, very happy with there service.

This book provides an overview of not only recipes for great Thai cooking but the ingredients that go into those recipes, too. This is especially helpful for people who are new to Thai cooking (like yours truly)!

'Ancient Captials of Thailand' describes the old important cities and captials of Southern Thailand. These include Sukothai, Ayuthaya, Kampeng and several other cities. The book is beautifully illustrated with more than 350 photographs. It also provides site maps and descriptions of the different places and the major temples and structures. Thus, it's not just a 'picture book", but I can recommend this book both for content and quality of the pictures. The book does not cover the cities of the Northern Kingdoms (e.g., Lanna), this is supposed to be the topic of another book.

Every day Dawn's anew, for each of her works is a monument to diligence, reverence as much as research, and a new approach to an ancient topic. The appearance of yet another book on Southeast Asian cultures, their historical legacy, their sheer beauty, their island of enchantment in a world that has by no means passed them by, reminds us of the richness of archaeology, our one tie to what we are, who we were, and who we would hope to become.
Carol Miller, Mexico City

The irrepressible Eric Wakin has done it again. Mr. Wakin has put together a brilliantly compelling look at the hidden politics undergirding the state and academia in latter day Thailand. The book is a gem. The prose is unflagging. It should be used in all undergraduate and graduate courses in South East Asian studies.

Goodden's book is truly an outstanding resource for those interested in the recent history and geography of Northern Thailand. The accounts of his travels through Lan-na are both amusing and informative. The level of detail provided is mostly unavailable in other formats. This book is well worth reading. Equally as good, if not better, is Goodden's first book, Three Pagoda's, get it if you can find it.

For thousands of years parents around the world have been telling kids stories: here's an outstanding and enthusiastically recommended specialty collection of some thirteen lovely folktales drawn from eight major countries in Asia: each of which is perfect for both introducing very young kids to Asian favorites and for adding new excitement to the nighttime reading routine. ASIAN CHILDREN'S FAVORITE STORIES holds many fascinating picks, from 'How the Sea Became Salty' from Japan to a Malaysian folk story 'Why the Tapir Has No Tail'. Parents interested in unique read-aloud opportunities will find it inviting, with lovely color drawings by Patrick Yee adding excitement.