This fully illustrated history is divided geographically according to the sequence of succeeding Thai kingdoms. Each section follows a historical chronology, covering accounts of major events during each reign, with an assessment of the character of individual kings and their particular achievements, together with those of other major players. This record of events is blended with descriptive passages about monuments surviving today that are relevant to and help illuminate the history. Political development is thus paralleled by Thailand's cultural development, especially in relation to the religious and royal architecture. Thailand's historical progression has been complex, and although the foundations of national identity - religion and monarchy in particular - were established in the earliest days of statehood dating back to the 13th century, it is only in comparatively recent times that all elements - social, political, cultural and linguistic -have cohered into what is recognizable today as Thai and Thailand. By linking the text to existing landmarks the history provides both an enjoyable read in its own right and a fascinating guide to the monuments and buildings that visitors can see on their travels around the country.

Who invented the dish Phad Thai and why? What are the seven characteristics that allow an elephant to be deemed a white elephant? What rights and privileges are prisoners accorded in jail? How much green space is there in Bangkok? What are the top-ten highest grossing Thai films of all-time? Thailand at Random provides answers to these and many other fun and fascinating questions about the country. Complete with illustrations and graphics, this book explores the quirky and mysterious, busts myths, and offers surprising new information about everything Thai, including geography and infrastructure, customs and superstitions, and people and culture. Easy to read, pick up Thailand at Random and gain quick insights into a wonderfully interesting country.

A History of Thailand offers a lively and accessible account of Thailand's political, economic, social and cultural history. This book explores how a world of mandarin nobles and unfree peasants was transformed and examines how the monarchy managed the foundation of a new nation-state at the turn of the twentieth century. The authors capture the clashes between various groups in their attempts to take control of the nation-state in the twentieth century. They track Thailand's economic changes through an economic boom, globalisation and the evolution of mass society. This edition sheds light on Thailand's recent political, social and economic developments, covering the coup of 2006, the violent street politics of May 2010, and the landmark election of 2011 and its aftermath. It shows how in Thailand today, the monarchy, the military, business and new mass movements are players in a complex conflict over the nature and future of the country's democracy.

The second edition of this book draws on new Thai-language research and brings the Thai story up to date.

With colorful, vivid photography and insightful commentary this pictorial and Thailand travel guide offers readers a glimpse at a dynamic country and its people. Thailand has many claims on the title "Golden Kingdom." It is a country of shimmering wats, its monarchy is still deeply revered and it exerts a magic all of its own. This travel book captures that magic with stunning photographs of all aspects of Thai life, and makes an ideal souvenir for any visitor to the country. Included are sections on history and geography, as well as the cultural and religious heritage that is unique to Thailand. Sections on festivals and collectibles, and a portrayal of Thai–style art and architecture are full of detail. Thailand: The Golden Kingdom portrays both the Thai people and their beautiful home in a cornucopia of color and design. This volume is a stunning visual representation of all aspects of the Thai culture and life. Author and long–term resident William Warren, provides an insightful overview of the history and geography of the kingdom, as well as a detailed exploration of the rich tradition of Thai arts and crafts, religion and cultural events. Soaking up the sun on a beach, visiting a wat, partaking in one of the numerous festivals or browsing in the art and antique shops are all part of the essentially "Thai Experience" shared here.

A History of Thailand offers a lively and accessible account of Thailand's political, economic, social and cultural history. This book explores how a world of mandarin nobles and unfree peasants was transformed and examines how the monarchy managed the foundation of a new nation-state at the turn of the twentieth century. The authors capture the clashes between various groups in their attempts to take control of the nation-state in the twentieth century. They track Thailand's economic changes through an economic boom, globalisation and the evolution of mass society. This edition sheds light on Thailand's recent political, social and economic developments, covering the coup of 2006, the violent street politics of May 2010, and the landmark election of 2011 and its aftermath. It shows how in Thailand today, the monarchy, the military, business and new mass movements are players in a complex conflict over the nature and future of the country's democracy.