Thailand Books

As always Lonely Planet Snorkeling and Diving guides are the best.
Only reason I didn't give it a 5 was the fact it was a little outdated.
I think they will be making a new one soon, since this one is no longer in print.

Good book,

clear info as needed.

info corresponds to reality

Used this diving guide when I was in Koh Samui in July this year, very informative and all the info was up to date

Scotty Mackenzie

I was hoping that this book would be like the travel books that lonely planet puts out with opinions on dive operators, places to stay etc.....but the book is a run down of dive sites more than anything else....It helps with dive site selection but it just isn't what a lonely planet book is for me.

This book is the only one we recommend to all our customers. The authors live and work here and the information is accurate. Great photos of the marine life.

Even though we work here, we still use the book as a reference and it's always close at hand in our office.

Loet Velmans fled Holland with his parents in a small boat during the Nazi invasion. They escaped Hitler's persecution of the Jews only to undergo three and a half years of brutal treatment by the Japanese. On reaching England the family decided to continue to the Dutch East Indies, where the parents could find work, and Loet could finish high school. After graduation Loet was drafted into the Dutch Army. On Holland's surrender in Java, he became a prisoner of war. After nine months confinement on Java, Loet was sent to Singapore, where he was confined at Changi. Loet dabbled in the black market, and even opened a 'restaurant' called the Flying Dutchman. In May 1943 he left Changi with 'H' Force, bound for the Burma Railway. After reaching Bangpong Thailand by train, Loet and his group had to march 86 miles to Spring Camp. Loet felled trees, built a section of the access road, removed boulders from the railbed with a hammer and chisel, and lost many friends. After being felled by malaria and dysentery Loet was admitted to the camp 'hospital'. Upon recovery he was assigned to duties as a medical orderly. In discussions with his fellow prisoners Loet formed the opinion that their brutal Japanese guards were representative of Japan as a whole. What the prisoners could not fathom was "...how an entire nation could get its kicks from beating and torturing its prisoners." Upon the completion of their section of the railroad the men from Spring Camp were sent to Kanchanaburi. After a month or two there Loet returned to Singapore. After several months at Syme Road Camp Loet returned to Changi. There he shared a cell in Changi Jail with Rabbi Nussbaum,(a Dutch Army Chaplain) and another Dutch POW. Following liberation Loet spent 5 months in Singapore working on a Dutch newspaper, The Oranje, which was printed on the Straits Times press. In February 1946 Loet returned to Holland where he attended Amsterdam University. There he met his wife, Edith. Edith has written Edith's Story, an account of her life as a hidden Jew in Nazi occupied Holland. In the 1950's the Velmans emmigrated to America, where Loet went to work for the public relations firm Hill and Knowlton. From the beginning Loet was heavily involved in Hill and Knowlton's far east business, and frequently found himself traveling to Japan. It is unclear whether Loet ever informed his hosts that he had spent the war as 'a guest of the Emperor.' What is clear is that the Japanese produced a "visceral reaction" in Loet. He felt that: "...the entire Japanese nation had overlooked, papered over, trivialized or forgotten the atrocities committed in the name of its Emperor." During a business trip to Tokyo in the mid seventies Loet spent a night on the town with some Japanese business executives. At a bar in the Ginza district his hosts joined the other patrons in belting out a Japanese song between rounds. After repeated inquiries one of the businessmen finally revealed to Loet that the song was a patriotic military march from World War Two that soldiers sang to raise morale. Loet quickly found himself stone cold sober. Loet reports that in his dealings with the Japanese he "...never lost my compulsion to keep a wary eye on them." He believes that westerners and Japanese still find each other incomprehensible, but has hopes that perhaps his grandchildren's generation might bridge the gap. Readers seeking to learn more about what happened to their relatives on the Burma Railway or in Changi should be advised that Loet uses only the first names of his friends who died in captivity.

My grandfather was a POW in Burma and came back with stories that make you shudder and I bought this book to see if there was more I could learn. Although there is preamble on how Velmans escaped from the Netherlands and then moved to Indonesia and his life after the war, the account of treatment by the Japanese and working on the Burma railroad is quite insightful. There is not much on what happened to the Japanese after the war (war crimes) and Velmans does not really give you his opinion of the treatment he received. However, as a personal account, it is an interesting book.

The inspiration for the classic book and film "Bridge Over The River Kwai", Long Way Back To The River Kwai: Memories Of World War II is the painfully honest true story of one man's gut-wrenching and nearly fatal three and a half year tenure as a slave laborer for the Japanese army during World War II. A prisoner of war. An insert of black-and-white photographs illustrate this testimony, which presents the unvarnished truth about inhumane, brutal, and ultimately deadly torments the POWs suffered during the course of the war. Long Way Back To The River Kwai also tells of the war's end, the author's rescue and slow recovery from near-death, and his gradual readjustment. The final section tells of the author's business dealings in modern-day Japan, his reflections and friendships, and his observance of the Japanese "cultural amnesia" concerning the war and the atrocities it committed during that era. Highly recommended reading and an impressive contribution to the growing library of World War II combatant memoirs.

The inspiration for the classic book and film "Bridge Over The River Kwai", Long Way Back To The River Kwai: Memories Of World War II is the painfully honest true story of one man's gut-wrenching and nearly fatal three and a half year tenure as a slave laborer for the Japanese army during World War II. A prisoner of war. An insert of black-and-white photographs illustrate this testimony, which presents the unvarnished truth about inhumane, brutal, and ultimately deadly torments the POWs suffered during the course of the war. Long Way Back To The River Kwai also tells of the war's end, the author's rescue and slow recovery from near-death, and his gradual readjustment. The final section tells of the author's business dealings in modern-day Japan, his reflections and friendships, and his observance of the Japanese "cultural amnesia" concerning the war and the atrocities it committed during that era. Highly recommended reading and an impressive contribution to the growing library of World War II combatant memoirs.

The author gives a stirring and very readable story as told from the eyes of a Dutch soldier captured by the Japanese during the invasion of Java in 1942. Velman gives a very interesting story of his backgound as a Jew in prewar Holland and his families escape from the Nazis only to fall into the hands of the Japanes later.

Most of his time as a POW was spent helping to build the Thai-Burma railroad. During this period, hundreds of thousands of Aliied prisoners and native slave labors died due to disease, famine, loss of spirit, and, of course, the direct mistreatment of them by the Japanese. All this for a railraod that was barely used and is now overgrown and torn up.

It is a compelling book and the author is still trying to come to terms with the Japanse to this day.

I also highly recommend Ernest Gordon's "Beneath the Valley of the Kwai". This book was written much earlier but tells the story from the British point of view. It is now available under the title "To End All Wars".

I trained in Muay Thai for about a year and everything I learned from my instructor is in this book. The book doesn't get too advanced but it is a good resource. It starts with a little history and a day in the life of a Thai boy. Then it goes into basic stance and punches and kicks. Next it covers elbows and knees very nicely. I was suprised at how well the clinch was covered with different techniques, and movements. Last it covers about a dozen easy combinations and a nice workout schedule. Buy this book if you want to know what this martial art is about. I love it!!!

I found this book to be simply outstanding and I can't believe that I just purchased it a few weeks ago (I should have purchased it much sooner). I have a couple of other books on the subject and admittedly they both have better photographs than this book, one is in full color on glossy paper, but this book is hands down the best I have seen for actually providing a wide array of information not only on physical fighting techniques themselves, but also on a lot of additional peripheral information that is just as important.

The layout of the book and the quality of information provided is a testament to the professionalism of the author and for that he deserves additional kudos. If I had one criticism of this book, it would be the need for additional photographs in certain sections and covering certain techniques. Other than that, I really don't see any detractors to this book.

Shawn Kovacich
Martial Artist/Author of the Achieving Kicking Excellence series.

This book is written well and instruction is laid out simply, however it is lacking a little in visual aid. Photos are black and white and feature two young brothers that look pretty identical. It can be difficult to see who is doing the described move in some areas of the book.
Other than that, the author has a well-expressed voice, offers a little of Muay Thai history (but not too much), and provides adequate instruction for all of the moves NEEDED to get into a Muay Thai pit.
*Be informed that this book focuses on technique and is somewhat short on drills and training exercises.

Like most old guys, I got interested in the martial arts when I saw the seventies and eighties action movies with the likes of Chuck Norris and Bruce Lee. Sometimes, after a few drinks, I might even admit to watching Jean Claude Van Damme's movies. It's one of the reasons I quit drinking.

Those old movies conentrated very heavily on striking arts, and that's where I got my start. Throughout my teens, I was quite a competent karateka - winning my share of medals in knockdown tournaments. Later, I was a successful amateur boxer.

But the grappling bug got me and I forgot the striking arts - figuratively and practically. Then, I started in MMA. I had to get my striking up to par. I began getting my hands and feet ready to fight again. Years out of the ring had blunted my striking senses, so I went looking for resources to help me out.

One of the better resources I've come across in my quest for better striking is 'Muay Thai Unleashed' by Erich Krauss and Glen Cordoza. The book is published by McGraw-Hill and pre-dates Victory Belt - the authors' new publisher. My copy came by way of Budo Videos, who deserve a wrap for their continuing excellent service.

Now, I'm no Thai Boxer. Anyone who knows me can attest to that fact. My first MMA match was against a Muay Thai exponent (I still cringe when I think about the flogging I got there). So, any help I can get combatting the Muay Thai game is helpful. 'Muay Thai Unleashed' is the perfect book for me. It's probably also the perfect book for any beginner to the sport or a more experienced martial artist who wants to learn a little of what the Thais have to offer.

What I like about this book is the writing. Erich Krauss is obviously an experienced writer. He manages to explain the sport at a level the more experienced martial artist can appreciate without being too dry for the rank beginner.

The book doesn't dwell on Muay Thai's rich history. This is a training book, after all. Chapter one opens with a very brief synopsis of that history before beginning a description of the training methods of Muay Thai. Initially, this is done very broadly by peering into the life of a young boxer training in one of Thailand's many camps. The chapter then fleshes out the equipment of the individual and the gym, dispensing some great advice into the bargain. It then goes on to describe some of the philosophies of both physical and mental training aspects.

Chapter two covers stances and footwork. This chapter is a simple one with some great insights on movement and some good drills for improving your footwork. It leads well into chapter three, which covers the attacking weapons of Muay Thai. Let me say this. Despite having been a fringe fan of Muay Thai competition for many years, I had no idea of the of the sophistication of the twechniques. And this is a book aimed at the beginner to intermediate fighter. This chapter has helped me break down the differences between the way the Thais do things compared to where my game is. I've found a couple of great improvements right there.

Chapter four deals with the defensive techniques. Starting with the Muay Thai "patented" leg checking and progressing into counters for the attacking techniques. Chapter five deals with pad work and combinations and will help the beginner understand how the pads work (an interesting read in itself) and why the combinations work as they do.Finally, chapter six introduces the reader to the simple, yet effective strength and conditioning work of Muay Thai. It culminates with a review of a professional fighter's program that makes me feel more than a little bit lazy when I'm coming up to a fight.

The book's photos are in black and white, but that doesn't hurt the production at all. The photos are clear and feature technique demonstrated by very proficient Muay Thai stylists. I kind of wanted to see more photos to help me understand things. However, this book isn't meant to replace an instructor. To that end, the photography is spot on.

Ultimately, the book is aimed at the beginner to intermediate Muay Thai stylist. If, however, you're more like me, you might be a more experienced martial artist looking for better ways to do things and hints that will prevent you getting smacked around. If you fit into either of these groups, I highly recommend this book.

It's very informative without being dry and simple without being babyish. Most of all, the passion of the authors shows through.

Comparing both Krauss's JiuJitsu Unleashed to this book is like comparing apples and oranges. There is no correlation as they are altogether different disciplines. This was the first martial arts instructional book I have read on the art of striking, and I found it to be very edifying. The art of Mui Thai is a lot more versatile and practical than any other striking combat discipline, so I found Krauss's approach and exposition on the tradition of Mui Thai to be greatly detailed and refreshing. He gives a rich background of every day Mui Thai fighter in Thailand and the rigorous training they're subjected to. He covers all facets of training, even giving recommendations on which equiptment to use, such as pads and such that will enhance your experience. This book acquaints us to the basics of Mui Thai, foot movements and stances. Overall a great book.

I loved 'Noble Lies', the title is very appropriate for the Thai Culture. Benoit's mini-lessons in Thai culture were accurate. And best of all, it was a fun trip through some of the places I want to visit on my next trip to Thailand. While I hated it to end it worked well and I did not see it coming. Read it first, then go play.

The author has a good feel for Thailand that really makes this book. He sets the book in the South Thai beach resort area and knows enough about the area to make the details ring true. He also gets the delicate relationship between the local crime bosses and the police right. As with all the author's previous works it is the details of exotic locations that make the tale above average. One difference is that in this book the main character has been bouncing around the world since Desert Storm. In the others the hero was always a naif thrust by circumstances into fending for himelf in foreign locales. I like the naifs better but you'll still enjoy this one.

After various adventures in a number of other parts of the world, including having served as a Marine during Desert Storm, Mark Rohr finds himself working as a bouncer in a Thai bar when he is fired for overzealously performing his duties. But the bar's owner and bartender, a long-time friend, steers him onto a job assisting a woman who is looking for her brother a year after the tsunami.

The client offers him $500 a week and a $5,000 bonus if he finds the brother, who Mark believes was either lost to the giant wave or doesn't want to be found. The quest is complicated by a top gangster who also has a vested interest in finding the brother. And the race is on along the pirate-infested waters of Thailand and Malaysia. It is an exciting chase, filled with graphic descriptions of the devastation brought on by the tsunami, as well as the poverty and corruption in the country.

This novel is the third featuring globe-trotting Rohr, ranging from Singapore and the Raffles Hotel to Casablanca and Cairo, then to India and elsewhere. In each, he introduces a number of surprises, and Noble Lies is no exception. This reader could not even begin to anticipate how he would bring the novel to such a conclusion.

Desert Storm vet Mark Rohr is now is post-tsunami Thailand. American Robin Antonucci want to hire him to find her brother, Shawn, who has been missing since the tsunami but Robin is certain she saw on a recent news video. What seems to be easy money quickly turns complicated with a Thai prostitute Pim claiming to be Shawn's wife, her elderly man and small boy, the surviving members of Pim's family, to protect from Jarin, a notorious gangster. Something about Robin's story just doesn't sit right either.

Benoit's major skill is sense of place. He gives us an uncompromising picture of post-tsunami Thailand and life among the homeless, dispossessed and criminal, and then takes us on a fast-paced trip half-way around the world. He also creates well developed, interesting characters, in whom I became invested. Finally, he gives us a high-action, unpredictable story with plenty of twists, turns and suspense to keep me turning the pages. I'll admit Benoit's first book, "Relative Danger" is still my favorite of his, but there's no question that the man can write.

Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Reader Views (6/07)

Hard drinking, decorated Marine, Desert Storm veteran, Mark Rohr was working as a bouncer in a bar in Thailand when Robin Antonucci came into his life. She wanted to hire him to help her find her brother, Shawn Keller. She shows him a videotape of a news report of the Tsunami that devastated Thailand. The video showed that he was alive.

Their search leads them to a bar where they meet a woman, Pim, that claims to be Shawn's wife and she insists she can take them to him. Pim was adamant about bringing her nephew and grandfather. Mark knows something is not quite right. Two men are following them. Shawn was into excitement stuff. Robin knew Shawn had used drugs, but she was sure he was clean now. She knew he liked to go where drugs could be bought cheap. Robin had no idea what Shawn was really into. He had become involved with Jarin, a treacherous criminal who was determined to get to Shawn. What she does not know could get them all killed. Could Robin have an ulterior motive?

"Noble Lies" by Charles Benoit is a fast-paced, action-packed, edge-of-your-seat novel. The plot is well-developed and set on the backdrop of Thailand. Benoit brings the devastation of the Tsunami to life, recounting the disaster through the eyes of survivors. The characters are well-developed. The unlikely hero, Mark Rohr, is a cynic; the Desert Storm veteran is multidimensional. I did not expect the pirates; they brought an interesting twist to the plot. This is not your usual mystery. Benoit is an extremely talented writer. I highly recommend "Noble Lies" to fans of mystery and suspense.

Being a big fan of private detective tales (Mike Hammer in NYC, Nate Heller in Chicago and Vinnie Calvino in Bangkok), I knew I'd be enjoying this novel as soon as I got it and that's exactly what transpired!
Once again, Dean's love for the Sukhumvit Rd area, especially the bar areas where many farang men hang out (Soi Cowboy, Washington Square), cannot be missed and what this writer has learned/discovered/ouright lived through for more than a few rainy seasons is perfectly melded into the storyline so even were I to be reading this novel here in the States, I could still smell that bizarre mixture of street vendor food, joss sticks, pollution and Buddha-Alone-knows-what-else, I could still hear tuk-tuks drag racing with motorcycles and I could still see all the lovely and not-so-lovely Thai bargirls parading under sizzling neon signs in the redlight districts that partially make Bangkok what it is. And that's just the background!
The main character is someone most of us will relate to at once as you follow him all over the place first wondering "What the hell?" followed by "Whodunit?" and finally "How does he solve this case without going home in a body bag?"
If these are the kinds of elements you require in a mystery novel NOT taking place in New York, Chicago, LA or London, get a copy of this and prepare for a good ride on a blood-washed avenue.

A very well written detective novel set in Bangkok. A down and out American detective and his martial arts trained Thai girlfriend and lots of bizarre characters both Thais and foreigners living there. The author obviously knows the place. For example: "Thais are the nicest people in the world. Until they're not."

A great read and I learned a lot. If this book doesn't make you want to go to Thailand, nothing will.

Scott Sterling, an American expatriate living in Bangkok, Thailand, spends most of his time hanging out in bars and teaching scuba diving. Occasionally he uses his expertise as an ex-CIA agent by doing a little detective work, mostly following cheating spouses. His Thai girlfriend, Dao, is a boxer and an extremely jealous woman. When Lisa Avery, a blonde knockout from the States, starts hanging around, Scott begins to feel a bit uncomfortable caught between the two women.

Lisa requests a meeting with Scott, and he thinks he might get to the bottom of her odd behavior--maybe she wants to hire him for some detective work. Their meeting doesn't end as planned, and Scott leaves with many more questions about Lisa than when he started. Then Lisa turns up dead, and he makes it his mission to find out why she was killed and who killed her. There are people who would prefer Scott stay far away from the investigation. As he starts to uncover clues, he finds that Lisa was not who she appeared to be. Will Scott discover the motive for the crime and the identity of the killer before the culprit eliminates him from the equation?

SKYTRAIN TO MURDER is a brilliantly written novel. The author,Dean Barrett, a resident of Asia, delivers firsthand knowledge of what it is like to live and work in this fascinating country. Sprinkled throughout the book are funny accounts of the different bar patrons and their interactions between themselves and the locals. Scott is a well developed character and the reader has a rapport with him and his plights, even the uncomfortable ones he brings on himself.

The mystery of SKYTRAIN TO MURDER is detailed and intriguing, and will keep readers guessing until the exciting climax where all is revealed. I take it as a sign of a good mystery when I can't figure out the identity of the villain, and this novel delivers a well-crafted surprise. The dialogue is fresh and fast-paced, full of Thai cultural references, both funny and shocking at times.

One criticism I have is that a few of the things referred to in the book are unfamiliar to me, and may be unfamiliar to other readers. It would have been helpful for some commonly mentioned things to be defined, such as "bargirl" and "muay-Thai."

Overall, SKYTRAIN TO MURDER is one of the most fascinating mysteries I have read in a long time. The exotic locale coupled with captivating suspense make for a winning combination. I definitely recommend this book for all mystery lovers on your holiday shopping list--and buy a copy for yourself as a treat!

Courtesy of www.AllAboutMurder.com

There's no real reason to read this average pulp thriller unless you're specifically interested in the sights and sounds of Bangkok. The hero is an ex-CIA operative Scott Sterling, now living the expatriate life, eking out a living as a scuba dive instructor and part-time private detective. However, one gets the distinct impression that he spends most of his hours haunting the bars of Soi Cowboy. The story kicks off in true pulp fashion, with a sexy blonde walks into a bar and captures his attention. But before she can become a client, she turns up murdered. Feeling inappropriately obligated, Scott decides to investigate and soon finds himself in a predictably murky plot involving rich men, expensive call girls, and sexual shenanigans.

Fortunately, this rather rote material isn't all there is to the book. The author provides a bridge to the Thai people via the sassy bar girls Scott knows (and lives amidst in his run-down apartment), and Dao, his kickboxer girlfriend. Of course the whole notion of the ex-CIA guy with the sexy (every woman in the book is sexy) local Muay Thai champ is pretty over-the-top, but that's the kind of book this is. There's a fairly significant subplot involving a gang of slum loansharks who kidnap a girl and Scott's mission to free her. This brings Dao's gangster/monk brother into the story, and the entire affair is kind of overpowers the main plot, which seems curiously commonplace next to the colorful local scene. A lot is made of Dao's character as well, plenty on her her training and then a long blow-by-blow account of her "big match".

So, this is a curious failure of a book in that when Barrett leaves the main plot, it generally gets much better. The details of Dao's spartan kickboxing camp are quite interesting, as are the dynamics of the slums, the funny scenes in bars involving other colorful expatriates, and even the scuba instructor parts. In other words, all the local flavor stuff is nicely done and rings with authenticity, while the murder plot seems kind of paint-by-numbers. The hero seems rather too easily surprised in the climax, although the manner of his deliverance was quite clever. In sum, don't read this for thrills and a good murder mystery, read it because you want a sense of life as an expatriate boozer in Bangkok.

Skytrain to Murder, by Dean Barrett, is a decent noir-like thriller taking place in Bangkok, Thailand. It doesn't really involve a skytrain, but it does involve a murder, so that's one for two, anyway. Barrett is known for writing Asian thrillers and Skytrain to Murder is another good example of this. Unfortunately, Barrett spends too much time giving us the flavour of the city rather than giving us an interesting tale. Atmosphere is like a spice: if you use too much of it, you drown the taste. Add to that a subplot that doesn't really seem to go anywhere and you've got a rather short, yet still padded mystery.

Scott Stirling is an ex-CIA agent from the Bangkok bureau, now living there. Short of money, he's moved into an apartment over a local bar. He teaches diving and does some detective work on the side. A beautiful blonde asks him to her apartment, supposedly to request his help, along with a good screw. When he gets there, she has decided she doesn't need his help anymore, but the screw could still go ahead if he wants. He respectfully declines, but unfortunately, she later ends up dead. Investigating the murder leads him through the seedy underside of Bangkok life, reaching all the way to the top of the business world. He's also asked to rescue a little girl who's supposed to be used as collateral in a loan-shark deal. In this quest, he's aided by his martial-arts trained girlfriend (Dao) and her family. It's too bad that she's also a suspect in the murder.

The more I think about this book, the more problems I come up with, though I do have to say that I ultimately enjoyed the book. Barrett throws in a lot of sub-plots, some of them leading to other avenues of investigation and some apparently red herrings (or, for this novel, red pufferfish). It's unusual to have whole subplots be red herrings, though, and I found that it detracted from the book. Especially bad is the rescuing of the girl. After finishing the book, I can see no reason why this was in there, other than giving us a view of his girlfriend's world. This could be fine, but we get to the spice analogy above. It overwhelms everything else. Barrett makes it seem like a big deal, but when he's finished, the only thing it really did was show how tough Dao's brother is. What's the point? He also spends a lot of time on Dao's muay-Thai martial arts match, going into heavy detail about it, punch by punch. If Dao were a major character, I could see the reason for this, but she really doesn't do much in this book. So why are we spending so much time with her?

It's also bad when the narrator draws attention to the many coincidences that permeate a book. Near the end, Stirling (the book is written in first person) comments on the unlikely string of events that led him to the predicament he was in, and how he got out of it. I think readers should probably come to that conclusion themselves, and they might be a lot more forgiving about it if they do. However, the two comments at end of the book (the one about the coincidences and then the one explaining why there's a skytrain in the title of the book) are so heavy-handed and obvious that they almost don't feel like they were written by the same writer. The rest of the prose in the book is great, reminiscent of a Sam Spade in Asia novel. It almost felt like I was watching a black and white movie.

It's a shame that there are so many structural problems, because Barrett does give us some very interesting characters. Stirling is a great main character, with a cynical outlook on life yet remaining a pretty positive guy. I almost picture him with a cigarette hanging out of his mouth, ala Bogart. Barrett also provides us with quirky bit characters and interesting suspects in the murder. In fact, even Chinaman (Stirling's adopted Chinese brother who adopted that nickname, but only for a select few people to use) is intriguing. We only get a couple of glimpses of him when he calls Stirling, but I definitely would love to read a book about him. The dialogue that Barrett provides for these characters also crackles. I loved some of the exchanges in the Boots and Saddle bar between the regulars there. It really added to their character.

I didn't let the problems in Skytrain to Murder get to me until after I had finished it and thought about it. While I was reading it, I really enjoyed the prose, the characters, and the dialogue. While the plot was a bit contrived and there were too many extraneous sub-plots (especially for a 260 page book!), I was hooked from page one until I got to the end. If you turn you allow yourself to go with the flow, and if you like your thrillers with a bit of exoticism to them, then give this one a try. I'll even add an extra star for the enjoyment factor.

David Roy

Having lived in Thailand for several years, one begins to appreciate the significance of this achievement. Mr. Sudham shows keen understanding of a sharp narative and insight into both Thai and Western culture. In the end, it is an enjoyable read.

However, that he did all this in English is remarkable. If it were translated, it would be understandable; however, it was written in English by this very bright author.

I have also read his collection of short stories - the title escapes me at the moment. These were less noteworthy. I wonder if he is truly retreated to Buri Ram, running some sort of NGO or something, as people say.

Jack Kelly

Thunderbird 1999

This novel is an achievement not often equalled in this climate of moving yet empty 'culture' pieces. Passages of remarkable yet stark beauty capture the degree to which we are bound by our circumstances, to which the meaning of our lives and acts is constrained by the environment in which they exist. And the book captures the difficulty in leaving that environment, in un- and redefining those things which exist at the deepest level of personhood and whose dissolution becomes an act of destruction or self-sacrifice. The doubt over whether this violent act is necessary, or wise, defines the personal journey of Prem, a young Siamese exile, as he must confront his own past as well as his nation's to define his own place in a world where West and East meet uneasily at best. It is an intensely personal journey as well; Pira Sudham is a poet, and as poets do writes from a well of inspiration drawn from his own experiences and observations. Surely the story of Prem echoes Sudham's own journey from the villages of Thailand to a respectable literary life - a joureny that involved, as Prem's does, the creation of "a mechanism to turn bitterness into wisdom" and to "transform childhood memories into poetry". The book works also as a history of sorts, narrating the difficult journey of Thailand as a nation in transition and capturing in the deeply felt experiences of a few fictional individuals the nature of a land brought so unevenly into the 'modern' world.

This book is wanderful book about Thailand, unique . It gives an insight of thai people and thai history that you wont find anywhere else.

I found this book to be fasinating. Mr. Sudham managed to weave a simple story of one young life into the vastness of the wall between Western and Siam culture. His unique understanding of the ³western² mind-set, and his native understanding of the needs, desires and hopes of a young, poor, Siam boy make for an enchanting experience.

Having lived in Thailand for several years, one begins to appreciate the significance of this achievement. Mr. Sudham shows keen understanding of a sharp narative and insight into both Thai and Western culture. In the end, it is an enjoyable read.

However, that he did all this in English is remarkable. If it were translated, it would be understandable; however, it was written in English by this very bright author.

I have also read his collection of short stories - the title escapes me at the moment. These were less noteworthy. I wonder if he is truly retreated to Buri Ram, running some sort of NGO or something, as people say.

Jack Kelly Thunderbird 1999

I have this book and its been very useful to learn the basics from as I work night shift and know of no muay thai school in my area. covered are basics strikes as well as drill with the pads

I just started training Muay Thai and I bought this book to supplement my time in the gym. This book is an excellent addition to my training and I consider my self lucky to have found it when I did. The history of the art is great and so are the explanations of the techniques.

This is a great book for those of us just starting out.
My only caveat is that Mr. Delph goes to great lenghts to state that he feels Muay Thai was ruined in "certain English speaking regions". Then he goes on to demonstrate a hook and he is clearly hitting with the last two knuckles. These are the weakest part of the hand and in reality one would end up with a broken hand no matter how well wrapped it was. humpf!

This is good book for MT starters. Also it price is very reasonable. In there are color pictures which is not very often. Very good topics on Thai culture and MT rituals.
Techniques in there are basic: jab, cross, hooks, uppercuts, Thai round kick, front Teep, also very rare seen in MT bouts spining kick.
The reason why I give 4 not all 5 stars is clinch work which is very basic thing in MT from Thailand and here needs to be covered more. Too little is written on it.
I hope that in other book which I will order from same author it will be more clinch work.

All in all from all MT books that I own, this is second in my ratings.
Hope Cristop Delp will written more good books on national Thai sport.

The book first describes the development, the history and the rules of Muay Thai and presents the necessary equipment.
In the second section, the fighting position, the steps and the fighting distance are explained.
In the third section, the attack techniques are described in detail: fist techniques, elbow techniques, kick techniques, knee techniques and clinch techniques. Muay Thai champions demonstrate the techniques in numerous pictures. As a result, the techniques can easily be copied.
In the fourth section, combinations for training at the sandbag and pads are demonstrated. The fifth section demonstrates a number of important defense and counter techniques. Additional techniques are demonstrated in the other book on Muay Thai written by the same author. The sixth section presents the content of a Muay Thai training section.

The book is excellently structured: the Muay Thai skills are passed on step by step. I also find the book design excellent. The large book is in color throughout and the pictures are superb. This is the optimum book for beginners and as an accompaniment to training!

I picked up this book to supplement my Muay Thai training. The books used a lot of glossy photos to demonstrate the technique. The section on stretching is nice. The footwork section left me with a lot of questions though(not too clear)!! It also includes an example training plan. IMHO, nothing takes the place of a experienced live instructor to help critique and correct your form. Hopefully, they will include a section on bag work in the next edition.

I recently took up Thai cooking, and found this cookbook. There are a few good recipies that I tried, and I think there are many more in the book somewhere, but the book is a bit hard to navigate. Lots and lots of prose, lots of history and culture - an excellent book if you like that. I personally like a cookbook that's well laid out, gives me the essentials, and doesn't try to educate me too much. I prefer to learn about the culture elsewhere.

There is one recipie in there - the panaeng curry on page 90 - that I will make many times. So if you use the adage that my mother did - only expect one great recipe per cookbook - then this book meets the test.

-jwt

I love Thai food and rank it in my 5 favorite cuisines. Authentic Thai ingredients are becoming more and more available, both in Asian markets and even in regular grocery stores. This book provides authentic recipes that are easy to follow. The book also has some beautiful pictures of both the dishes described and the regions of Thailand from which they originate. The author provides valuable background information for both eating and (unexpectedly) travelling in Thailand. In fact, I brought this book on a trip to Thailand. Since many Thai menus have dishes in both Thai and roman letters, I was able to match some of the menu items with recipes in the book, which was both helpful and interesting. I am glad I got this book before it went out of print and would recommend picking it up at any opportunity.

I've had a copy of this for years, along with VB's "Thai Vegetarian Cooking." Now, this amazing book has been re-released in paperback. I can't think of a better cookbook. I like the fact that the recipies and their variations are authentic. Moreover, the book contains remarkably beautiful photos that capture the history and culture of various Thai regions. This fact may not be obvious from the marketing material. I'm not sure why. Setting the scene enhances the smell and flavor of the food. One gets the sense that the author is an artist, scientist, adventurer and innovator.

My Thai husband has been so homesick, so I picked up this book to try and alleviate it. I didn't even know how to boil water before I read this book! I love it! My husband never eats out any more, and has told me that he might never go back to Thailand! The illustrations are great, and even I can accomplish the most difficult dishes. A must have for anyone wishing to cook Thai food!

I have been in Thailand and I like to enjoy street food, which I find it the best and tastiest of all. This book has taught me what ingredients to use and how to prepare the dishes I ate there. Now I can cook and enjoy Thai real street food whithout going to Thailand. My wife is Indonesian and we have an Indonesian restaurant in Barcelona. Both cookings are similar and we serve some Thai dishes as well, which by the way were learned from this book.

...readers might be interested in Naked in Haiti: A sexy morality tale about tourists, prostitutes & politicians.

This volume is interchangeable with any number of of other sociological tomes. The author tries to depict a cross section of aging customers, some human slaves working in debt bondage after being sold (often by their parents) to a brothel.some of the helping organizations-but it doesn't hold together very well as a book unless you have been living on another planet of late. The inclusion of sex in the title is somewhat misleading as this could just as easily be about poor Pakistanis in slavery to brick kilns.

Studs Terkel-style, Seabrook presents interviews, recorded and transcribed, with both sex workers and their mostly male clients in Bangkok, Thailand. This powerful volume peruses the commodification of sexuality, the sex trade, through the eyes and voices of the men who tramp the sex markets--the bars and brothels--and the women, men and children who service them. Also, addressed are a variety of related topics, including the global economy and developing countries, sociocultural costs of economic development, organized sex tours and agencies, human rights, children's rights, and HIV / AIDS. A highly readable travelogue, recommended for tourists, travel agents, and anyone interested in this controversial and sordid subject.

This is an excellent book and as real as it gets. Highly recommended. I have read the book several times. It really helps you understand why so many predatory low lives wind up in Thailand chasing prostitutes. It really is very interesting.

this book is very informative and blows the lid off the illusion of paradise that thailand is perceived by many to be. the real truth of the relationships between the prostitutes and the "farangs" is exposed in detail. if you want to know why men seek out these prostitutes, how long the relationships last, why the prostitutes treat the johns as they do, and if you want to understand the miscommunication and false feelings that go on between john and prostitute, this is the book to read. the harsh reality of thailand is exposed.

I't more like a travel log or journal from the author, but it gives you a great perspective of what Thailand's life is like, since he goes beyond the regular tourist polaces and wanders into the country looking for a monastery but stumbles into different adventures without being this his primary purpose.

I was in Sidney enroute to Bangkok maddly looking for SOMETHING to orient me when I landed, when I stumbled across this gem. It was the cover that attracted me at first - crimson red earth, lush green foliage, searing blue sky, white clouds. Beautiful - but at odds with the title - Borderlines, which seemed to imply a vaguely psychotic, marginal subsistance kind of place that didn't square with what I was expecting from the beach holiday image I had been assured of.

What was "Borderline" about Thailand?

As I found out - everything.

A remarkably insightful "traveler's classic" which explores the country, its people and ones state of mind as you travel through it being seduced. Prose that remind one of a cross between Somerset Maugham in "The Comedians" and gonzo journalist R.H.Thompson. Where did he learn to write!

Then a couple of years ago I was mentioning this trip to a buddy who teaches Elizabethian Drama - he knew Charles Nicholl for his remarkable sleuthing done in "The Reckoning" which showed some hitherto undiscovered facts that support his contention that Christopher Marlowe may have been eliminated for his spying activity rather than in a chance brawl in an obscure tavern on the outskirts of London in 1594.

This is a talented man.

Nicholl's story is at turns entertaining and informative, and he tells it well. (This reads more like fiction than a travelogue.) It's a light, quick read. My only criticism is sometimes it feels Nicholl is trying a little to hard to be a novelist rather than a travel writer when he circles back to the title, which feels contrived.

But that doesn't detract from the story, and paired with Lily Tuck's "Siam", and a couple "Rough Guides", you'll be itching to buy your ticket to Chiang Mai.

A lyrical, vivid, picaresque account of one adventurous man's oddyssey through Thailand and Burma. Nicholl is able to evoke the beauty and mystery of South East Asia without succumbing to the usual, "exotic" cliches and mushy prosody. His is a rational, discerning eye dazzled by the grandeur of an alien land.

Almost every detail of his account is fascinating, every character vital, astonishing, yet believable. Reading it was a huge inspiration in the days before I made my own, reckless trek through Asia. One of the most down-to-earth, poetic and enthralling travel books ever.

Please, Amazon, urge the reprinting of this book, or find an alternate source so that others can enjoy it as I did.