Product Description

Why are these people smiling? Writer Jerry Hopkins came to Thailand for a visit in the 1980s to find out and ended up a permanent resident with a temporary visa-a big, white farang haunting the bars and back alleys of Bangkok. His essays explore the mystery and mayhem of "The Land of Smiles" to hilarious-and sometimes disturbing-effect. Travel with him to a place where water buffaloes are gay, insects are dinner, dildos are lucky charms, and your wildest adolescent fantasies can come true (for a nominal fee).

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #75642 in Books
• Published on: 2005-09-15
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 256 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780794600938
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

From the Inside Flap

About the Author
Jerry Hopkins wrote bestselling biographies of Elvis Presley, Jim Morrison, and Jimi Hendrix and was an editor and correspondent for Rolling Stone for twenty years. He is the author of 30 books, including the recent Extreme Cuisine. He currently lives in Thailand.

Customer Reviews

a knowledgeable insider's look at amazing Thailand
Hopkins book is a clear-eyed, knowledgeable, and insightful look at Thailand by an American who's lived there for more than a decade. He captures the crazy charm of the place without falling victim to the romantic haze that falls over most first-time visitors. He still loves it - the street food, the elephants, the women, the bars, the temples, the gentle people and sharp operators, the jungles, cities, and beaches and the all-round intensity and color of the place - but also sees many of its failings. Might very well make you consider retiring there.

A good introduction to Thailand.....
I bought this book before moving to Thailand and found it to be very informative. I also like Mr. Hopkins style of writing which made this book even more enjoyable. Most of what is written between these pages rings true although some of my own personal experiences differ from Mr.Hopkins. One is the Thais preference when cooking. I find more gas tanks wherever I go wheather it be a street vendor or someones home. I, like the author have a home in Issan and every house I have ever been in (incuding mine) has a gas set up for cooking (as well as coal for grilling). The only other difference of opinion is what Thai beer is the best to drink. I do agree that Thailand does not produce a "world class beer" and I am not a big fan of Thai beer in general but Chang over Singha? I prefer neither and if planning a trip to Thailand stick with the international staple beers Hieneken or Kloster or a very good Thai beer is "Leo" which is made by the Singha corp. and unlike Singha which is rather acidic Leo is very smooth and drinkable. Thailand Confidential makes for a very good introduction for anyone planning a trip to Thailand.

Much Better
I found this work to be much better written than BANGKOK BABYLON as well as very informative. The author's prejudices become obvious at times but I guess if it's his book he can say what he thinks. Reading THAILAND CONFIDENTIAL would be helpful to anyone planning a visit to Thailand for the first time.