Recommended Reading

Numerous guide books on Thailand are readily available, but the following publications offer a particular insight into the Kingdom.

ISAAN : Forgotten Provinces Of Thailand (published by Luna Publications and written by Ben Davies) is a photographic journey through the Northeast of Thailand in coffee table format, with detailed commentary by the author who is based in Thailand.

Pira Sudham is a native of Isaan who has written  many books on the area, its traditions and history. Works include Monsoon Country, People of Esarn and The Force of Karma.

A Child of the Northeast (by Kampoon Boontawee) dates from the 1930s and describes life in Isaan's rural villages at the time of the Depression, when his family had to travel far and wide in search of food.  The book  is not easy to find. An English translation is published by Pouyzian Publisher.

The Thai House (published by Weatherhill and written by Ruethai Chaichongrak) explains the evolution of the Thai house across the kingdom's principal regions, demonstrating the practical features of their design and the beliefs attached to elements of their architecture.

Ant Egg Soup (published by Hodder Headlin and written by Natacha Du Pont De Bie) describes the cuisine of Laos and is full of stories of her journies through the country. Isaan cuisine is rooted in La traditions, so this book gives a good background to the specialities of the region.