| RECOMMENDED BOOKS AND MOVIES |
| MOVIES Disclaimer: I have NOT previewed any of the movies yet and cannot vouch for their contents. Recommended by Sherry Tomblin, one of the participants: Deben Battacharya: The Lands of Smiles: Thailand (1973) A close look at the the rich and rural culture of villagers in Thailand. Through dance, folk music, architecture, and religion, the traditions of natives are celebrates in several segments. Beats of the Heart: Two Faces of Thailand: A Musical Portrait (2003) Thailand's king was a jazz musician, and like him his people share a richly blended musical tradition. This program joins country musicians who travel with as many as 70 dancing girls and kickboxing. Isan: Folk & Pop Music of Northeast Thailand (2004) Some fascinating folk-based music has emerged from Thailand. The sound of ISAN combines Lao, Thai and Cambodian folk patterns to produce a startlingly fresh listening experience. Recommended by Dr. Mae Wallace: Sunset at Chao Praya Kwan and Riam Mekong Full Moon Party Nang Nak Suriothai I plan to preview these movies ASAP. If you happen to know anything about them, please let me know -- just go to Q&A page. Thanks! |
| BOOKS David K. Wyatt Thailand: A Short History The classic, “traditional” history of Thailand. Thongchai Winichakul Siam Mapped: A History of the Geo-Body of a Nation A recent, alternative view of how the Thai nation was formed. Charles F. Keyes The Golden Peninsula: Culture and Adaptation in Mainland Southeast Asia While dealing with Southeast Asia as a whole, this book focuses mainly on Thailand and puts many aspects of Thai culture in a broader context. Niels Mulder Inside Thai Society: Religion, Everyday Life, Change A very perceptive, sometimes controversial view of Thai life, character and personality. (Previously published as Everyday Life in Thailand: An Interpretation.) Pasuk Phongphaichit and Chris Baker Thailand: Economy and Politics A more recent treatment of this subject by a Thai and a farang (foreigner). Benedict Anderson and Ruchira Mendiones In the Mirror: Literature and Politics in Siam in the American Era An excellent sampler of Thai fiction within the scope of a manageable context. (Phya) Anuman Rajadhon Essays on Thai Folklore A classic explanation of various Thai folk beliefs by an august Thai scholar. |
| MORE BOOKS William J. Klausner and Kampan Klausner Conflict or Communication? This book was meant for people considering doing business in Thailand but it contains many valuable cross-cultural insights. Sulak Sivaraksa Seeds of Peace A Thai activist sets out his spiritual vision for Thailand’s future. Sanitsuda Ekachai Behind the Smile: Voices of Thailand Thailand has often been dubbed “The Land of Smiles,” and this book by a female reporter for the Bangkok Post goes behind the smile to point out challenges to the future of Thailand’s development. William Warren and Luca Invernizzi Tettoni Thailand: The Golden Kingdom A beautiful selection of original photos of the Thai nation by a foreigner who has lived in Thailand since the 1960s. Joe Cummings et al. Lonely Planet Thailand One of the standard travel guides for Thailand. Joe Cummings was originally a Peace Corps volunteer in Thailand. He and his team continue to update and edit this travel guide. Thaksin: The Business of Politics of Thailand by Pasuk Phong Paichit |