Bangkok - Post Report Question and Answers
Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
"Bangkok 8: A Royal Thai Detective Novel" Maybe there is a newer book about the current king, but before i moved there, I read "The King Never Smiles." - Feb 2023
On the Trail of the Serpent: the Life and Crimes of Charles Sobhraj. Read the book, then watch the Netflix series (The Serpent). But do it after you've been in Bangkok a year and the visuals in the TV series will be that much more familiar and thus making the series that much more intense and close to home. - May 2022
Youtube or Google. - Jun 2018
The King Never Smiles: A Biography of Thailand's Bhumibol Adulyadej - illegal in Thailand - do not bring the book to Thailand, or discuss the book with Thai people; "Thailand's Era of Insanity" (online article, use google) by Andrew MacGregor Marshall - do not discuss with Thai people - however, last time I checked, Thai censors had not yet blocked it in Thailand. - Aug 2014
The The King Never Smiles: A Biography of Thailand's Bhumibol Adulyadej (though it is banned in the country so delete it from your Kindle/iPad before arriving!). Not fantastically written and gets a bit boring as it begins to discuss current affairs. But the first 2/3rd is interesting. - May 2014
Any novel by John Burdett - Jul 2012
Lonely Planet Thailand, Very Thai - Jul 2011
Culture Shock! Thailand, Travelers' Tales Thailand, Rough Guide to Bangkok, Bangkok 8 by John Burdett, Very Thai by Philip Cornwel-Smith - May 2010
I'm reading "Letters from Thailand". It takes place in the 1940's but is a very good read. - Apr 2010
"The King Never Smiles" which is banned in Thailand and not available locally. - Jul 2009