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Geek in
A Geek in Thailand: Discovering the Land of Golden Buddhas, Pad Thai and Kickboxing
A Geek in Thailand is a light-hearted but perceptive look at one of the world's most visited countries from the viewpoint of a young foreign resident.
More than just a Thai travel guide, it offers a concise but insightful take on Thailand for tourists, expats, would-be expats, and others--anyone, in fact, with interest in visiting or learning about the Land of Smiles.
Packed with short articles accompanied by sidebar stories and interviews and evocative color photographs, the author paints a vivid and revealing picture of a country built on a deep reverence for nation, religion and monarchy, yet with its own distinct, individualistic perspective.
Subjects range from the touchstones of Thai culture and history, such as its politics and economy, Buddhism and folklore, to chapters on traditional Thai design and craftsmanship, including its highly acclaimed architecture and fine silk textiles. There are also chapters on the globally popular Thai food and entertainment like kickboxing and cabaret. Chapters on the Thai character and cultural do's and don'ts will allow the reader to go beyond the Thai smile.
For visitors to the country, the author includes his top ten things to see and do in the main tourist destinations as well as an account of the principal festivals and tips on getting around.
More than just a Thai travel guide, it offers a concise but insightful take on Thailand for tourists, expats, would-be expats, and others--anyone, in fact, with interest in visiting or learning about the Land of Smiles.
Packed with short articles accompanied by sidebar stories and interviews and evocative color photographs, the author paints a vivid and revealing picture of a country built on a deep reverence for nation, religion and monarchy, yet with its own distinct, individualistic perspective.
Subjects range from the touchstones of Thai culture and history, such as its politics and economy, Buddhism and folklore, to chapters on traditional Thai design and craftsmanship, including its highly acclaimed architecture and fine silk textiles. There are also chapters on the globally popular Thai food and entertainment like kickboxing and cabaret. Chapters on the Thai character and cultural do's and don'ts will allow the reader to go beyond the Thai smile.
For visitors to the country, the author includes his top ten things to see and do in the main tourist destinations as well as an account of the principal festivals and tips on getting around.
160 pages, Paperback
First published October 27, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 25, 2021
Awkwardly organised, the way it goes from talking about history then to politics. Description of politics is a bit one-sided. I disagree with quite a few things, a number of things are wrong and it contradicts itself (states that 95% of people in Thailand are Buddhist, and then 12% of people are Muslim). A section on the unique Thai character is good. I enjoyed the section on food.
November 10, 2016
I found quite a few books set in Thailand that I fancied reading for the geocaching challenge but.....could I lay hands on them? Ha! So, I have ended up reading a well-presented travel guide with a bit more added! For what it is, it's ok :)
March 23, 2023
Reading this in 2023 felt like opening a time capsule. It was fun rediscovering Thailand through this book, though it has been a bumpy road of rediscovery indeed.
The book has a relatively broad scope that works both to its advantage and disadvantage. On one hand, the breadth gives readers opportunities to be exposed to various aspects of Thai culture to geek about. On the other, some parts feel like the discussion spread itself too thinly, to the point it seems to become a generic travel book and you might not get a sense of how it's supposed to be a geeky showcase. Also, the organization, as mentioned by one of the reviewers, feels a bit disorganized- it's especially true if, like me, you read the ebook version. Furthermore, even if the author has been residing in Thailand for a long time, I sensed that he wrote the book to cater mainly to a certain subset of Westerners (which isn't necessarily a bad thing but may leave one wanting a bit more balance in the showcase of Thai culture).
I also have mixed feelings about how some Thai terms/sayings are mixed in the discussion. While I appreciate how the author tries to do homage to the culture, it really would have been useful to have a glossary to make it easier to revisit some of the terms, especially for those who go through the book in doses.
I'm not sure how much of my previous exposure to Thailand helped me appreciate this book. So, I'm not sure if this would serve as a good enough "pitch" to encourage tourists to travel to, or even geek about, Thailand. Still, I think it makes a fair introductory reference for some aspects of Thai culture and can serve as a nice memento for people who miss traveling there.
The book has a relatively broad scope that works both to its advantage and disadvantage. On one hand, the breadth gives readers opportunities to be exposed to various aspects of Thai culture to geek about. On the other, some parts feel like the discussion spread itself too thinly, to the point it seems to become a generic travel book and you might not get a sense of how it's supposed to be a geeky showcase. Also, the organization, as mentioned by one of the reviewers, feels a bit disorganized- it's especially true if, like me, you read the ebook version. Furthermore, even if the author has been residing in Thailand for a long time, I sensed that he wrote the book to cater mainly to a certain subset of Westerners (which isn't necessarily a bad thing but may leave one wanting a bit more balance in the showcase of Thai culture).
I also have mixed feelings about how some Thai terms/sayings are mixed in the discussion. While I appreciate how the author tries to do homage to the culture, it really would have been useful to have a glossary to make it easier to revisit some of the terms, especially for those who go through the book in doses.
I'm not sure how much of my previous exposure to Thailand helped me appreciate this book. So, I'm not sure if this would serve as a good enough "pitch" to encourage tourists to travel to, or even geek about, Thailand. Still, I think it makes a fair introductory reference for some aspects of Thai culture and can serve as a nice memento for people who miss traveling there.
August 20, 2020
It's a nice book to know a bit more about Thailand. Maybe what I didn't like about the book it was that sometimes I saw that it was written for people in Europe or America. I live in Vietnam and I didn't feel surprised with most of the things because I can see it here too.
The best part of the book is his recommendations for visiting in some cities, and I like also the art part, because I don't know too much about Asian art/Thai Art and I feel interested after reading. I will use this book next time I go to Thailand (but it will be after Covid, so I expect a different Thailand :()
The best part of the book is his recommendations for visiting in some cities, and I like also the art part, because I don't know too much about Asian art/Thai Art and I feel interested after reading. I will use this book next time I go to Thailand (but it will be after Covid, so I expect a different Thailand :()
November 21, 2017
I made it through 90 percent of this book before I had to leave for Thailand and return the book to the library, so I'm going to count that as being finished. It helped me learn a lot about the history culture of Thailand, so I had a better idea of what to expect. However, if you're looking for more of a guidebook to prepare for your trip, this really isn't it.
July 27, 2017
Solid book to check out pre-Thailand visit. So much more interesting and colorful (literally and figuratively) than a Lonely Planet. It got me super excited for my upcoming trip!
Not very helpful for picking hotels, but very helpful to get a sense of culture and understanding Thai values.
Not very helpful for picking hotels, but very helpful to get a sense of culture and understanding Thai values.
March 4, 2019
A worthwhile precursor to our 2-weeks trip to Thailand. This isn't the kind of book you'd be likely to re-read, but the photos offer more than just a glimpse into Thai culture, including social normals, art and history.
July 26, 2019
A lot of good information about Thailand and some really great photos so it is a good book for anyone who wants to visit Thailand as it would help travellers who may not have a lot of info about Thailand culture.
January 29, 2018
This is Thailand for Dummies. Hits the high points with suggestions from the author who has lived in Thailand for several years.
September 14, 2019
Just a perfect read during or before visiting Thailand. A short history, analysis of culture and great recommendations. A perfect travel book.
April 30, 2020
327 - 2020
March 5, 2021
I know nothing about Thailand except three words in Thai.
This place looks beautiful and the book is informative
This place looks beautiful and the book is informative
April 18, 2018
A really good primer for anyone interested in Thailand. Even after all my time there, I learned a few things. Easy to read and gives you a feel for why so many of us love this place.
June 24, 2016
This book is glossy and reads like a magazine. I learned so much about Thailand.
August 11, 2016
Doesn't delve deeply but certainly gives insightful looks at the culture and land. Great for those interested in visiting Thailand and who want a good overview.
August 28, 2019
Interesting for people, who come 1st time to Thailand.
easy to read.
easy to read.
June 27, 2016
This was fun! I really want to visit Thailand now!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews