Books

The King Never Smiles: A Biography of Thailand's Bhumibol Adulyadej

Average customer rating:

tke king never smile
Far Better Than Thai Text Books
A new view of a Great Monarch
A necessary read
Understand Thailand & Government

The King Never Smiles: A Biography of Thailand's Bhumibol Adulyadej
Paul M. Handley
Manufacturer: Yale University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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The Revolutionary King
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ASIN: 0300106823

Book Description

Thailand’s Bhumibol Adulyadej, the only king ever born in the United States, came to the throne of his country in 1946 and is now the world’s longest-serving monarch. The King Never Smiles, the first independent biography of Thailand's monarch, tells the unexpected story of Bhumibol's life and sixty-year rule—how a Western-raised boy came to be seen by his people as a living Buddha, and how a king widely seen as beneficent and apolitical could in fact be so deeply political and autocratic.
Paul Handley provides an extensively researched, factual account of the king’s youth and personal development, ascent to the throne, skillful political maneuverings, and attempt to shape Thailand as a Buddhist kingdom. Handley takes full note of Bhumibol's achievements in art, in sports and jazz, and he credits the king's lifelong dedication to rural development and the livelihoods of his poorest subjects. But, looking beyond the widely accepted image of the king as egalitarian and virtuous, Handley portrays an anti-democratic monarch who, together with allies in big business and the corrupt Thai military, has protected a centuries-old, barely modified feudal dynasty.
When at nineteen Bhumibol assumed the throne, the Thai monarchy had been stripped of power and prestige. Over the ensuing decades, Bhumibol became the paramount political actor in the kingdom, silencing critics while winning the hearts and minds of his people. The book details this process and depicts Thailand’s unique constitutional monarch—his life, his thinking, and his ruling philosophy.

Customer Reviews:

tke king never smile.......2007-06-08

this is a good book to lean the truth story what was going on the event that happen in Thailand. After I hac read the book I know Iwas brain washed by government and the royal people. It opened my eyes and my heart to see the reality the politic action of the government and the monarchy.I think all Thai people or/and people who are interesting in Thailand should read the book.
One indepedent Thai fom Dallas, texas

Far Better Than Thai Text Books.......2007-04-23

This book is one of the best of all Thai history. It is better than the Thai text's books in schools. This book is disclosed so many things more than the Thai would ever know in Thailand. Buddhism and Hindu have been playing very important roles and have been used as tools for the monarchy to brainwash Thai people since the old Sukhothai Kingdom. It was continued to Ayutthaya and Bangkok today. This book is still censored in Thailand, because it tells too much of the truth that the Thai conservative cannot handle it.

A new view of a Great Monarch.......2007-02-08

I spent two years as a missionary in Thailand, and love the Thai people. I have great admiration for HM King Phumipol Adunydej. This book provides some new insights as to the workings of the Thai monarchy from the time of the "Democracy Revolution" in 1932 forward. The author has done some great research for his writing; however, the chronology jumps back and forth many times, causing the reader to struggle with time ordering events.

I think that the author's main point is that the King has been involved in politics from day 1. This is true, HM Phumipol Adunyadej has been a keen observer of the going's on in the government, especially from the 1960s forward. He has saved the country from major conflicts on more than one occasion, through the use of his power which comes from the great respect which the people have for him. I too have a "yellow" shirt and wear it on occasion in support of HM the King. He is in fact the glue that holds the country together. He is now approaching age 80 and the great question for Thailand is what happens after this great leader passes on.

A necessary read.......2007-02-02

Everyone is reading this book, although it is banned in Thailand. How are people in Thailand reading it? Friends have scanned chapters and emailed them, and all sorts of other clever means. The book places a lot of events and actions by the royal family in a historical context. It is true that a lot of the events are not new to close observers of Thai politics and society. But it is in the verification of these events and their placement into some kind of context that the book performs a valuable service. The image of the monarchy itself is very interesting and the author relies heavily on academic studies of the 'royal networks' for example.

The image of King Bhumipol as one part anticommunist and one part dilettante is an interesting one. His sponsorship and direction of young 'scouts' and 'Red Gaur' in perpetrating political intimidation and violence puts the King in a different light than royalists would prefer.

Finally, the book makes it clear to the less expert audience that both Thailand's monarchy and Thailand are in some big trouble in the near term as nearly everyone is convinced that the Crown Prince is unfit to succeed the King. How can a political crisis not occur over succession?

There are other books on King Bhumipol and his reign. This one deserves a place on any current reading list on Thai politics.

Understand Thailand & Government.......2007-01-21

This book is an amazing belles letters, pure literature and outermost it is an important academic contribution. It is about understanding and obtaining insight about complex government and leadership of nations in a fast developing and changing word. Is market economy and western democracy a must for everyone? What can be different and what need to be the same? As usual things are not always or never what they first seems to be. This is a very important contribution to an alternative understanding of Thai culture and politics. But it might not be for Thais? To excel in academic development the search for facts and truth is a necessity to be able to join the train of long-term sustainable development in a global pursuit.
(Signature withhold)

The Hedonist: World Sex Guide - Single Male Erotic Vacations in Rio, Costa Rica, Thailand, Carribean and much more

Average customer rating:

What a great book!
Work hard and spoil yourself
The Fat Cat vacation guide
Fun, with a dark heart
Funny, vulgar, and wildly entertaining

The Hedonist: World Sex Guide - Single Male Erotic Vacations in Rio, Costa Rica, Thailand, Carribean and much more
Dr. Brett Tate
Manufacturer: Professional Bachelor Publishing, LLC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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The Professional Bachelor Dating Guide - How to Exploit Her Inner Psycho
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Thailand Fever
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Adults Only Travel: The Ultimate Guide to Romantic and Erotic Destinations, Second Edition

ASIN: 0975264001

Product Description

As seen on TV, "The Hedonist" is the Sex Bible for Single Male vacations. This in-depth guide is written for the Professional Hedonist, the guy who knows exactly what he wants, is willing to pay for it, and likes to spoil himself rotten. If you love exotic tropical excursions with Golf, Deep Sea Fishing, Casinos, and sexy young girls who always say yes, this book is for you. This detailed travel assistant covers 20 affordable tropical cities, from the hot spots in Costa Rica, Mexico, Brazil, and the Caribbean, to a dozen untarnished island paradises in South America, Asia, and Europe, where you'll be treated like a King for $25! A fascinating read written from personal experiences, in a hysterical, Maxim-like sarcastic style that seems more like a Bachelor Party conversation than a travel guide. You'll learn the how and the where to go for all your sports activities, as well as meeting your uninhibited "dates", with the low down on the club procedures, pricing and terminology, and local updated websites w/maps and details. Red Light Districts, Brothels, full service nude strip clubs, massage parlors, outcall escorts, horny locals, beach play toys, whatever your preference, it's all here...complete with reviews, addresses, phone numbers, and first hand field reports. Included is a must-read 30 pages of Sex Tourism 101 advice on mastering the games and psychology of the local women you'll meet. This is the taboo Bachelor's Vacation Guide that we've all been waiting for, without a single politically correct word in it. All in all, a fantastic resource, packed with info you can't find anywhere else, over 200 pages of extensive, concise, well-researched advice. A real time and money saver. Why settle for anything but the best, and why gamble on hopes. Bet on the sure thing. The girls are waiting...

Customer Reviews:

What a great book!.......2007-06-17

The Holy Grail for enjoying high level sports and fun loving women. Everyone has the travel bug. Tate does us all a great favor by passing the torch to his favorite honey holes around the world. The Hedonist is a very fascinating page turner, isn't full of irrelevant blather, and is geared exactly for what younger men want to do. It saves hours with all it's shortcuts. Besides, the author is pretty hilarious to read.

This book has actually increased my productivity at work, since I have future travel goals in mind. I focus and produce and skip out of town. I easily pay for the trips just by no longer wasting time and cash in nightclubs dealing the whiny, entitlement mentality of women here.

Work hard and spoil yourself.......2007-06-17

This is a great vacation guide for exploring different regions around all corners of the globe. For sports fanatics like me, you will no longer have to waste hours trying to find the next spot. I highly recommend it; I've done 4 trips so far, and the book was very accurate in giving me a clear picture of what to expect before arriving, and how to maximize my time there. I get a big kick of reading and reading about each city, as I plan for the next vacation.

The Fat Cat vacation guide.......2007-06-04

Having now taken two of the trips in this book, I can highly recommend it, and say that Tate is clearly an expert on putting together the ultimate guy's vacation guide. What guy doesn't love great golf courses, world class ocean fishing, casinos, and hot young women chasing you every where you go?

The Costa Rica trip my buddies and I was one of the most slamming, funny, outrageous times I've ever had. (On a side note, I've walked around with a Hotel del Rey baseball cap on, and I've had complete strangers stop me and share stories numerous times.) The sail fishing on the west coast is some of the best in the world for quantity, and fast action. They just hit everytime you turn around. We had runs for both sail fish and we hit a dorado run that was incredible; we hooked 40 fish on a one day trip. We stayed at the hotel Tate recommended, Marriot Los Suenos, and played their golf course, and it was beautiful to say the least. Smack dab in the middle of a rain forest, with great views of the coastal line. This trip rocks just for the sports; the women of course are the icing on the cake, and they certainly were some hotties; plenty to go around. What a trip! Seriously guys. Buy this book and take some of the trips he lays out.

Fun, with a dark heart.......2007-06-04

Sex tourism is fun. That's why guys buy this book, and that's why sex tourism is a billion-dollar business. Whatever else they may do, prostitutes are responsible for a lot of pleasure in this world.

But there is a dark heart at the center of this business. Feminists and others point out, correctly, that the price for pleasure is hurt feelings, cruelty, disease, violence, and even slavery. Now feminists almost always overstate their case -- and they only talk about the pain, never the pleasure. But 'The Hedonist' only talks about the pleasure. Both of them are dishonest.

I have tried to write a book that covers both bases. It is fun to read because sex tourism is lots and lots of fun. But at the same time, it does not shrink from the dark heart -- it takes the feminist critique seriously. The book is called Naked in Haiti: A sexy morality tale about tourists, prostitutes & politicians. Enjoy.

Funny, vulgar, and wildly entertaining.......2007-05-31

Anyone who has traveled as much as I have doesn't feel any need for travel guides. They're famously generic and outdated at best, written by people who have never been there. This book captures the essence of each city. The sights, sounds and smells, their exciting to bizarre cultural oddities that make each such a fascinating experience. In other words, all the things that give each city its originality. Though I had already visited half the cities, I picked up this guide by referral from a former running buddy of mine. I can tell you that it is spot on accurate, extremely funny, and steers you to all things a single guy wants to do in a hurry.

If you love ocean fishing, exotic golf courses, casinos, and kicking back on a beach with a dozen toxic fruity drinks, the cities chosen have some of the most kicking spots available in the world. I've fished and golf at many of them; Cabo has a number of gorgeous oceanlined courses, with Cabo del Sol being ranked in the World's top 100, and the Costa Rica sail fishing is off the hook and equally world class. Want to know how to do all that, and know where to go to meet women ready to go with you each night? Buy this book.

Sure you could find out this information with hours of research and scouring message boards. With this book you don't need to bother, plus you'll have great fun comparing the cities and choosing your next adventure.

A great value, and I'd highly recommend this authors other book, The Professional Bachelor Dating Guide - How to Exploit Her Inner Psycho. I love the author's wicked dry sense of humor and riveting writing style.

Average customer rating:

The "bible' for Thai-Farang relationships
Culture Gap - Explains the differences.
Get an insider's view
thailand fever
Awsome book, unfortunate title

Thailand Fever
C. Pirazzi , and V. Vasant
Manufacturer: Paiboon Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Asia | Travel | Subjects | Books

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Thailand: Land of Beautiful Women
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Thai-English English-Thai Dictionary for Non-Thai Speakers, Revised Edition (Dictionary)

ASIN: 1887521488

Book Description

You've met the perfect Thai woman. You're dizzy with joy as her exotic world swirls around you. You've heard so many horror stories, but your heart tells you that she's for real. You want to understand her mysterious ways, and you wish she could understand yours. Now, there's help. Thailand Fever is an astonishing, one-of-a-kind, bilingual expose of the cultural secrets that are the key to a smooth Thai-Western relationship.

Whether you met in a bar, in a university, or at work, and whether you met last night or decades ago, Thailand Fever covers your issues:

* Trusting Each Other * Sex * It's My Money! * The Parents * The Dowry * Privacy * Independence * Saving Face * Living in "Paradise"

Thailand Fever is the must-have relationship guidebook which lets each of you finally express complex issues by just pointing across the page! Everything in the book is in both Thai and English on facing pages. Thailand Fever teaches each of you about your loved one's values and culture.

Customer Reviews:

The "bible' for Thai-Farang relationships.......2007-05-12

I bought this for a friend of mine. He was having trouble understanding why his Thai girlfriend brought him to her mom's house. Why did she start asking him for money and then turning around and giving it to her mom?
Here, in this book,are the answers. This very well written book is uniquely written so that the left hand page is in English for the guy and the right hand page is in Thai for the girl.
This should be mandatory reading for any Thai-Farang couple.
Very well done.

Culture Gap - Explains the differences........2007-03-10

Well written and organized.
Would recommend to anyone that wants to gain better understanding of Thai culture and how it may affect relationships with Thai women.

I can not comment on the imbedded Thai version, since unable to read.

Get an insider's view.......2007-01-28

I read this book in 2 days. I recommend this book for any Western man who is dating or courting a Thai woman. I was ignorant to many Thai ways. This book is Heaven-sent as it is easy to read and understand and cleared up a lot of misunderstandings I had previously.

For example: Many guys told me that Thai women lie and to get used to it. I had a negative view of this. But the truth is that Thai culture is non-confrontational and that it saves face of everyone involved. In order to avoid anyone being embarrassed or degraded, Thai people may at times stretch the truth or speak something other than the blatant truth. This is not meant maliciously, but as a Westerner it may be hard to understand, especially if you are from a culture that prides itself from boldness, bluntness and outspokeness.

Because of my German heritage, I was taught to be blunt and not to beat around the bush. I was taught that this was a sign of respect towards others. I learned that in Thai culture this is a sign of DISREPSECT. It is often to save face and to avoid confrontation in Thailand.

Also the issue with the dowry bride price bothered me until I read this book. I felt uncomfortable with the idea of paying for a woman to marry her. But since reading this book, I realized that Thai culture expects men to pay a dowry as a symbol of love, respect, appreciation and gratitude to the wife's parents for raising and caring for her.

Not every family will require a dowry, so each situation is different.

It is also a sign of readiness to support the future wife. In the West we are taught that love is seperate from money, but in other cultures money may represent a symbol of love. This way of thinking is very different from what I was taught in the West, but it did help me to be more open minded to other ways of thinking. It helped me to understand the deep feelings of Thai culture and to realize that it is not necessarily "gold digging" or "greediness" for a woman to ask for money or material things.

I also understood why a woman may feel depressed, sad, or angry if her boyfriend or husband does not give her material things. On the western point of view it may be seen as "buying" love, but the #1 value of Thai people is generosity. They base their self worth on how generous they are. Therefore, it is hard for them to understand if someone does not want to show generosity.

(Of course balance and communication along with compromise is best in any relationship no matter what cultures are involved. Letting your girlfriend/wife and her family know what you can reasonably afford to help with is almost always going to avoid problems. Letting them know that your heart is true and genuine can often make life a lot easier.)

Although each Thai-Western relationship will differ, I will recommend this book to anyone who wants to understand his Thai girlfriend or wife and where she is coming from.

To my delight, the book is written in both Thai and English, so your
wife or girlfriend and her family can also read this to understand
you better.

Not every single thing in this book will apply to every single relationship, but it does give you something to work from if you are new to this all.

thailand fever.......2007-01-10

I found a lot of truths contained in this book,sure there are some things that i might not agree with but it is full of some useful information that i do agree with.
I wish i had read this book before i travelled to Thailand

Awsome book, unfortunate title.......2007-01-05

This is a great book! Don't be fooled by the gratuitous title and cover art. It's essentially a guide to interracial romance with the emphasis on Thai/Westerner relationships. As a man who dates a Thai woman I have found this book to be a really wonderful guide to making my relationship work.

Average customer rating:

Generally good, but could be better
Great Guide Book
Excellent book - best Lonely Planet guide I ever had
Outstanding for the first time visitor
Good Guide!

Lonely Planet Thailand
Joe Cummings , Morgan Konn , China Williams , Becca Blond , and Matt Warren
Manufacturer: Lonely Planet Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Asia | Travel | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1740596978

Book Description

Thailand was once an enigmatic paradise of pristine beaches, hidden temples and remote mountain refuges. Here's the secret: it can still be that way. Let Lonely Planet guide you past the world of the tourist brochures and into the true heart of the this glorious land.

• AUTHORITATIVE OPINION - incisive, candid reviews let you travel your way

• INSIDER'S PERSPECTIVE - from traveling with children to visiting tsunami-affected regions, our expert authors provide the definitive word

• THE WORLD'S BEST TRAVEL MAPS - meticulously checked and fully cross-referenced

• ACCOMMODATION FOR ALL BUDGETS - from sumptuous palace hotels to breezy beach bungalows

• EXTENSIVE LANGUAGE CHAPTER - you'll be ordering Singhas and chatting with locals in no time

Customer Reviews:

Generally good, but could be better.......2007-03-29

I've used a lot of lonely planet guides in my travels, but I found this one a bit less useful than other LP country guides. It just seemed like the detail was missing, especially in regards to beaches and water activities. It almost seems like you need to buy this guide for 'most of Thailand' and then the seperate guide for beaches which is just asking too much. Could have more detail on major attractions like the Grand palace (how about a map?) and more detail on things like snorkelling / diving / surf spots on maps like they do for the Hawaii guide

Great Guide Book.......2007-01-24

I have read this booking and really love it, I am Thai citizen, but some part which Joe has written in the book is reflect the real thing, something which I never look down and realize (I think insider might see different from outsider). That's really true.

Excellent book - best Lonely Planet guide I ever had.......2006-12-23

I travel a lot and, as a consequence, i do purchase a lot of the guides by Lonely planet. That Thailand guide is an excellent guide that gives you info you are looking for, historical highlights, maps and short stories, and, is not 'dry' as other guides.

If you never had it and you are going to Thailand - get it - it is a must.

Outstanding for the first time visitor.......2006-11-28

I just returned from a month in Thailand and found the Lonely Planet Guide to be very impressive. Several things to remember is that:

a) if the publishing date is 2005 the content is probably several months to a year older.
b) if you have local friends and/or family the guide will still be useful but not nearly so compared to a traveler who is on their own. You might keep thinking why the guide doesn't cover something that your in country friend gives you great info or insight into. Relax, the LP guide, despite its heft can only provide so much info.

Comments on LPs logistics and highlights...

1) Logistics.
Negative. There wasn't a lot of coverage given on the new low fare airlines that are now available but this might be because these airlines did not exist in force when the research was done.

Positive. I traveled on local bus, long distance bus, train, taxi, moto-taxi, sky train, subway, regional airplane and even tuk-tuk. The guild had very precise information on how to get around locally and through out the country. This was probably the most helpful part of the book with information I was not able to find easily elsewhere. (Always keep in mind that prices and times will change though.)

Highlights.
Negatives. I could tell that the writers have a particular perspective on what is a highlight and what is not. They love the Wats or temples. I admit that many are incredible and worth the journey. But there are many, many, many of them. After seeing a few Wats, Wat fatigue set. The point is to keep your own interests in mind and not let the guide pick too much of what you decide to do.

Positives. I enjoyed many of the suggestions in the book including the cooking school in Kanchanaburi, walking the alleys of Chinatown in Bangkok, a particularly spectacular guest house in Koa Tao, etc.. My highlights were definitely not the guide's highlights but were found in the guide.

Thailand has a lot to see and the LP guide does an admirable job within the limits of the print format. Now get out there!

Good Guide!.......2006-09-29

Normally, I look at tour books for the following things:

1. If mentions restaurants then its touristized and Americanized food.
2. They steer you to expensive hotels and over prices places.
3. They are rarely updated.

Not this guide! This was really really helpful. I read most of the background and history. It was nice that they had Thai people on writing staff giving a local perspective. The recommendations were dead on for most part.

I liked the fact that they covered all of the regions of Thailand - its a huge, beautiful country.

Their helpful tips to avoid problems were dead on. I confirmed it with the locals while there. Khup un khap (Thanks in Thai)

Average customer rating:

Quick, Easy and... Yummy!!!
Good book -
Finally I can do this myself!
True to its Title!
Buy IT...Guaranteed Rave Dinner Reviews!

Quick & Easy Thai: 70 Everyday Recipes
Nancie McDermott
Manufacturer: Chronicle Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0811837319

Book Description

Now busy home cooks can bring the fantastic flavors of Thai cuisine into the kitchen with a simple trip to the grocery store. Nancie McDermott, experienced cook, teacher, and author of the best-selling cookbook Real Thai, presents this collection of 70 delicious recipes that focus on easy-to-find ingredients and quick cooking methods to whip up traditional Thai. With recipes like Crying Tiger Grilled Beef, Grilled Shrimp and Scallops with Lemongrass, Sticky Rice with Mangoes, and Thai Iced Tea, along with McDermott's highly practical array of shortcuts, substitutions, and timesaving techniques, anyone can prepare home-cooked authentic Thai meals -- as often as they like.

Customer Reviews:

Quick, Easy and... Yummy!!!.......2007-06-23

We love this book. The pictures are tantalizing. The recipes are easy to follow. Several alternatives are offered to deal with hard-to-get ingredients.

We've made four recipes out of this book. Every one turned out great and flavorful. Our favorite so far (made it twice) is the "Hidden Curry Chicken". This takes 10-15 minutes of prep time, then you throw it all in the rice cooker until it beeps. So easy, and so tasty!!!

The book is true to its title, and we look forward to trying all 70.

Good book -.......2007-05-09

This is a decent book - easy to follow recipes and they actually tasted authentic - you can tell, the author has spent a lot of time putting some thought into each recipe and trying to make it as easy as possible - now finding some of the items in a small NC town is a difficult task. McDermott does give suggestions and this really helps.

Finally I can do this myself!.......2007-04-18

I always thought that Thai food dishes would be the hardest to make from scratch but after I bought this book and read through the recipes, my mind changed. I picked out some of my favorite recipes, invited some guests over and made them and they were delicious! The only somewhat bad thing I found out is that some of the ingredients these recipes call for are hard to find. If you have an Asian market around your area I highly suggest going there to shop. If not, try you best because these recipes in this book are so worth it!

True to its Title!.......2007-04-04

I buy alot of cook books and many have great sounding recipes but are either very complex, call for exotic ingredients, or just don't deliver the flavour.

Well this book is one that delivers on all counts. The recipes are easy to follow and taste just like the real thing. (after spending alot of time in Thailand its great to be able to recreate the tastes). Every recipe I've tried has been a total success. About the only error is the Spicy cashew salad with chillies, cilantro and lime. The recipe is suspiciously missing the cilantro however a little imagination can quickly correct that.

Nancie McDermott also captures the spirit of fun with the recipes and makes cooking them a pleasure, which is so important for Thai food.

Another great feature of this book is the appendix which advises of the basics you need to re-create Thai food. The list is not huge (nor probably exhaustive), but a great delight is that with this list of basics you can make nearly all the recipes. I took the book and the basics to the remote seaside recently and was thrilled that all we needed to purchase was fish/prawns/chicken/greens etc and then just pick a recipe!

I love this book so much it sits out all the time for quick reference and is recommended to friends. I currently only recommend two books to friends this and Asian Tapas !Asian Tapas: Small Bites, Big Flavors.

Overall a total delight of a cookbook, fun to read, fun to cook with and a total pleasure to eat from

Buy IT...Guaranteed Rave Dinner Reviews!.......2007-03-09

Slowly introducing my family to Thai....they groaned when I mentioned Thai for dinner...but.....no leftovers to be seen....Made Thai believers out of the not-so-Thai family. Beware of the fish sauce...really makes a stink out of the kitchen. I found that replacing most of the fish sauce with oyster sauce...provided for less nose wrinkles....

To Asia with Love: A Connoisseurs' Guide to Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam.

Average customer rating:

Beyond the run-of-the-mill travel guides
This is NOT a traditional guidebook
Not Worth the $$
No help at all.
A must have for your travel book library

To Asia with Love: A Connoisseurs' Guide to Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam.
Kim Fay
Manufacturer: ThingsAsian Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Cambodia | Asia | Travel | Subjects | Books

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Lonely Planet Cambodia
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ASIN: 0971594031

Book Description

Imagine that on the eve of your upcoming trip to Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam, you are invited to a party. At this party are fifty guests, all of whom live in or have traveled extensively through these countries. Among this eclectic and well-versed group of connoisseurs are authors of acclaimed guidebooks, popular newspaper columnists and pioneering adventurers. As the evening passes, they tell you tales from their lives in these exotic places. They whisper the names of their favorite shops and restaurants; they divulge the secret hideaways where they sneak off to for an afternoon (or a weekend) to unwind. Some make you laugh out loud, and others mesmerize you with their poetry and lyricism. Some are intent on educating, while others just want to entertain. Their attitudes are as unique as their personalities, but they are united in one thing … their love of the region. If you can envision being welcomed at such a party, then you can envision the experience that this guidebook aspires to give you.

Customer Reviews:

Beyond the run-of-the-mill travel guides.......2007-03-01

When I read this book, I felt like someone was whispering secrets in my ear. Sure, you should bring along the Lonely Planet or Rough Guide to give you directions to the closest bank, but is that trip to the bank the experience you will most fervently remember about your travels in Asia? I doubt it. You're likely to remember, however, "clambering over a dam" in Cambodia to find the lonely temple Ta Nei, or sitting at a table made from a tree trunk in Northern Laos eating "phar nam" (watercress salad) made by the daughter of the last king's personal chef. This book is for people anxious to go beyond the run-of-the-mill guidebook information. It's for people in search of the special experiences that make these countries so extraordinary. If you're that kind of traveler (or armchair traveler who simply likes good writing), then you should buy this book.

This is NOT a traditional guidebook.......2007-01-12

...although I happen to be packing it around with me on a 6-month trip. As I move from country to country, I discard my Lonely Planet or Rough Guide at the border, but even when my bag is bursting at the seams, I hold onto this book for the practical, personal recommendations and high caliber of writing, and for inspiration. Written by 50 different people who have lived or traveled extensively in Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and Laos, the passion and enthusiasm they share for this fascinating region is contagious.

To put the book in its proper context (I'm paraphrasing here from the excellent foreword), the editor invites us to imagine attending a dinner party with a group of intrepid, experienced Asia-philes and whiling away an evening collecting their stories, insider tips, and invaluable advice. Such an invitation may not appeal to someone who is merely "doing Asia" and wants only a directory of services and costs. But readers who have lived in Asia (or would like to) will relish it, as will every traveler who dreams of having a knowledgeable friend in each of these countries. To Asia With Love is a wonderful resource and worthy travel companion, a journey to a land that unfolds itself "slowly-slowly". My only complaint is that I still want more....

Not Worth the $$.......2007-01-08

I bought this based on reviews that I read here on Amazon. The book jumps all over the place. One page you are in Northern Vietnam, then to Thailand then back in Vietnam on the next page. Information is poorly grouped togther. I got MUCH better information from the Rough Guides.

No help at all........2006-11-01

I also bought this book because of high praise here. After going through it several times, I am forced to conclude that it has been of no help at all in planning my visit to SE Asia.

A must have for your travel book library.......2006-08-07

As someone who's outgrown Lonely Planet and Let's Go guides, I found Fay's book to be an excellent guide for those looking for more in-depth perspective and history than simply finding a hostel or looking for the next watering hole. Pictures are gorgeous and one can easily tell a good deal of money went into the exquisite design. A great writer and guide, Kim is someone I wish I had along with me in my South East Asian travels!

Lonely Planet Thailand's Islands & Beaches

Average customer rating:

Awful
Thailand Islands & Beaches
Lonely Planet is the best choice.

Lonely Planet Thailand's Islands & Beaches
China Williams , Matt Warren , and Rafael Wlodarski
Manufacturer: Lonely Planet Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Asia | Travel | Subjects | Books

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Guidebooks | Reference & Tips | Travel | Subjects | Books

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Similar Items:

Lonely Planet Thailand
Thai: Lonely Planet Phrasebook
Fodor's Thailand, 9th Edition (Fodor's Gold Guides)
Lonely Planet Bangkok
Frommer's Thailand (Frommer's Complete)

ASIN: 1740599306

Book Description

There's never been a better time to experience Thailand's world-class islands and beaches, pristine sands and crystal clear waters await. Expanded coverage on remote islands; new diving & other activities special chapter; indepth history, culture and food & drink chapters; more than 85 easy to use maps.

o EXPERT AUTHORS - providing the best insider tips and tricks
o UNBEATABLE ACCURACY - updated on the road, in person by regional experts
o THE WORLD'S BEST TRAVEL MAPS - more then 80 detailed maps inside
o NO GUESSWORK - opinionated reviews and inspiring highlights sections

Customer Reviews:

Awful.......2007-04-08

One of the worst guide books I have ever read Sparse inaccurate information. Even though published March 2004 tells readers a Tuk Tuk in Patong Beach costs 10 baht (it costs 150 baht!)Full of broad information obviously culled from other (older) guides, not learned by personal experience. Garbage. Don't waste your money.

Thailand Islands & Beaches.......2007-01-31

This book is particularly helpful as it contains many detailed maps. As well, the accomodation section is very useful for the traveler who does not have any set plans as it helps to show several different price ranges from budget to high end & includes phone numbers & websites of them frequently.
there are also tips for every type of traveler here in very detailed sections on every province in thailand. although it says islands & beaches there is a very good section on Bangkok city itself which is good as most people start & end up their Thailand vacation there anyway & spend some time in the city.

Lonely Planet is the best choice........2006-08-28

The Lonely Planet travel books are really the very best choice. This new edition of "Thailands Islands and Beaches" covers areas up to date after the tsunami. It is complete and informitive. I go to Thailand every year and always bring my Lonely Planet.

Bangkok Babylon: The Real-Life Exploits Of Bangkok's Legendary Expatriates Are Often Stranger Than Words

Average customer rating:

Absolutely wonderful!
Brings me back to Bangkok
An interesting and entertaining read
The Most Off-Beat People You'll Meet--And Like!

Bangkok Babylon: The Real-Life Exploits Of Bangkok's Legendary Expatriates Are Often Stranger Than Words
Jerry Hopkins
Manufacturer: Periplus Editions
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Travel | Writing | Reference | Subjects | Books

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General | Travel | Subjects | Books

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Similar Items:

Thailand Confidential
Butterfly: An Erotic Odyssey - Thailand, Cambodia, Philippines (Sex in Southeast Asia)
Thailand Fever
Murder at the Horny Toad Bar: & Other Outrageous Tales of Thailand
Travelers' Tales Thailand: True Stories

ASIN: 079460224X

Book Description

In the colorful tradition of Hemingway's A Movable Feast, Jerry Hopkins recalls his first decade as a Bangkok expatriate by profiling 25 of the city's most unforgettable characters. Among them are the man thought to be the model for Colonel Kurtz in Apocalypse Now, an advertising executive who photographs Thai bargirls for Playboy, an Oscar-winning screenwriter who moved there to die, a Catholic priest who has lived and worked in the Bangkok slums for 35 years, a circus dwarf turned computer programmer turned restaurateur, three Vietnam war helicopter pilots who
opened a go-go bar, a pianist at one of the world's best hotels who ended up on the FBI's 10 Most Wanted list, a detective who tracks runaways who fake their deaths and a documentary filmmaker who lives with elephants. All of them "escaped" to Thailand to reinvent themselves and live out their fantasies in one of the world's most notorious cities.

Customer Reviews:

Absolutely wonderful!.......2007-04-12

As an expat living in Bangkok, I can assure you Hopkins knows this city well, and the characters he describes are the most interesting bunch of characters you're ever likely to read about. Full of fun and panache on the surface, it also has a core of considerable importance: the fact that a person can reinvent him or herself and probably nowhere as easily as in Bangkok. Highly recommended.

Brings me back to Bangkok.......2007-03-11

I lived in Bangkok for a year and experienced many of the things written in this book first hand. Fortunately my wife is Thai and explained a lot of them but this book goes the extra mile and is an interesting and fun read.
It's easy to be a "fish out of water" in Bangkok if you're not familiar with the customs and etiquette. This book is highly recommended and Vermonter dot com approved!

An interesting and entertaining read.......2006-11-06

This book devotes one chapter each to a fascinating cross section of expatriate individuals( mainly Americans ) who, like the author, are now living, or have lived, in Thailand.
As Jerry Hopkins righly points out,adventurous travellers such as these do tend to be far more interesting than the average person who does not venture far, or for very long, from their native country and it's familair surroundings. This is well illustrated by the amazingly diverse characters and lives vivdly described here. Highly recommended.

The Most Off-Beat People You'll Meet--And Like!.......2006-08-03

I got this wonderful book last fall while I was visiting my "second home" of Chiang Mai, Thailand and fell in love with Jerry Hopkins' writing style at once. In this book, he has nailed so many of the "better known" expats in Thailand and done so in a honest way.
I have met some of these expats so I feel right at home with the manner Jerry uses, especially for my favorite author, Jason Schoonover.
With each chapter, Jerry gets into telling details about each man living permanently in Bangkok and why they decided to chuck living in the West to instead become expatriates in Thailand. I felt at home with each and every chapter!
If you want a better insight as to why certain people would rather be in Thailand than their native countries, purchase a copy of this wonderful book at once and have fun with it. I warn you, however, that as you get further and further into it, the more likely you'll be to buy some tickets for the next flight from your home to Bangkok!

Average customer rating:

This is simply a gem
Traveling To Thailand?
Out Of Date
Limited excellence
Limited excellence

Thailand (Eyewitness Travel Guides)
DK Publishing
Manufacturer: DK Travel
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Turtleback

General | Asia | Travel | Subjects | Books

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General | Middle East | Travel | Subjects | Books

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Similar Items:

Singapore (Eyewitness Travel Guides)
Eyewitness Top 10 Travel Guides: Hong Kong (Eyewitness Travel Top 10)
China (Eyewitness Travel Guides)
Frommer's Thailand (Frommer's Complete)
Fodor's Thailand, 9th Edition (Fodor's Gold Guides)

ASIN: 0756601746

Amazon.com

This colorful and thoughtfully arranged guide provides easy access to Thai history and culture, religion and politics, music, sports, and festivals. From Chiang Mai to Bangkok, Phuket to Ko Samui, the many pleasures, diversions, sites, and activities are detailed in a conveniently usable format. Orchid parks and elephant training centers, wats and Buddhas, beaches, treks, museums, and rainforests--it's all there to peruse and choose. With lists of hotels and restaurants, information on shopping, whitewater rafting, golf, diving, Thai massage, and lots of maps and pictures, Dorling-Kindersley has put together a guide that's both practical and beautiful.

Book Description

Featuring the most interesting towns and villages in Thailand as well as major temples, town-by-town, with information on sights, markets, festivals and beaches-this is an invaluable resource for travelers.

Customer Reviews:

This is simply a gem.......2005-02-26

This is a good quality book, something you could open and open again.
Highly recommended!

Traveling To Thailand?.......2003-06-23

I found Eyewitness Travel Guide for Thailand very informative, and easy to read. It had tons of pictures, facts, FYIs, and did I mention pictures? Like Eyewitness I agree that a picture is worth a thousand words. I also bought Lonely Planet's Travel Guide for Thailand, but liked Eyewitness' much better. Lonely Planet's Travel Guide had a more standard layout for the abundant amount of facts, but was limited on the pictures. The phrase at the bottom of Eyewitness' book holds true, "The Guides That Show You What Others Only Tell You."

Out Of Date.......2002-12-17

This is a great book with beautiful pictures, maps and nice glossy color pages. The only problem being that it is out of date! Having said that, I would not recommend it for your guide book if travelling to Thailand. Wait for an updated issue.
I am well travelled in Thailand and some of the descriptions in the book make me feel like I was travelling in Thailand 20 years ago! Hope this helps...

Limited excellence.......2002-08-21

There are detailed graphics, maps, and explanations of cultural issues not found in other guide books. However, they exclude major attractions and maps and attractions can be severely inaccurate. It's good for preparing a trip, but it's too heavy and not helpful enough to bring with you.

Limited excellence.......2002-08-21

Average customer rating:

Outstanding
Beyond expectations
Great Read!

Encyclopedia of Thai Massage
C. Pierce Salguero
Manufacturer: Findhorn Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Acupuncture & Acupressure | Alternative Medicine | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

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Thai Massage: Sacred Body Work (Avery Health Guides)
A Thai Herbal
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The Thai Massage DVD

Accessories:

Airborne Effervescent Health Formula, Original Orange, 10 Tablets (Pack of 3)
RESPeRATE Blood Pressure Lowering Device

ASIN: 1844090299

Book Description

Drawing from Thai history, cultural studies, Buddhist religion, and yogic practices, as well as a modern understanding of anatomy and physiology, this book finally bridges the gap between the theory and practice of Thai massage.

Customer Reviews:

Outstanding.......2005-03-05

I agree with "Beyond Expectations", the author put alot of work into this book. I highly recommend.

Beyond expectations.......2005-03-02

Having a bookshelf full of books on Thai Massage & Traditional Thai Healing, this is by far my favorite. I was introduced to Pierce's writing thru his first book "A Thai Herbal" and was impressed but I feel Encyclopedia of Thai Massage is by far his best work. You can feel his passion for preserving Thai Massage as a traditional form of Thai Healing thru it's pages. I also appreciate that it is based soley on just that, the traditions of Thailand w/o real outside influences. I was amazed with the extensive photography, charts and cross refrences. As a TM practioner the charts on page 195 and 207 of correlations of symptoms, acupressure points and sen lines are great to reference. I'd say no matter if you are a beginner or advanced practioner this is really the best book out there if you are interested in truly preserving the art of classic thai massage!

Great Read!.......2004-11-10

It is obvious that this author has a solid knowledge of Thai Massage on both an academic and experiential level. His explanations of technique are easy to understand. The photographs shown are detailed. Contraindications are addressed and common practitioner errors discussed. I especially appreciate his advice to use the text as a supplement to more formal instruction...proof of his passion to maintain the integrity of the art of Thai massage. Thanks Pierce! I'm sure that your teachers are quite proud.

Books:

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