Product Description

The good and the bad of the Land of Smiles are told with a comic touch. The book focuses on the spiritual and mystical side of the magical kingdom as well as its dark side. The good and the bad are told with a comic touch. The Sex Baron, the Naughty & Nice Massage Parlors, the Bangkok Haircut and Bar Girls & the Pendulum are contrasted with tales of the Thai Forrest Gump, the Spiritual Banker of Thailand and the 72-year old woman whose breasts spout miracle milk. It's a fun book to read about Thailand.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #152169 in Books
• Published on: 2006-09-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 223 pages

Review
I've been living in Thailand for ten years. Thai Touch opened my eyes to people, events and happenings. I now have a totally different way of viewing the kingdom. Who but Richard Rubacher would think of ordering a cup of coffee and asking the Bangkok waitress, in Thai, that no fish sauce be put into it? --Dale Metcalf, Esq., former attorney for Bobby Fisher

Lewis Carroll told us about Wonderland. In this collection of ironic tales, Rubacher tells us of another Wonderland. The magic of Thailand is captured again and again. --Ian Quartermaine, Sleepless In Bangkok

Rubacher's is a wacky world. He has a knack for sniffing out bizarre tales and bares Thailand like no other. --John Twigg, Publisher, METRO magazine (Bangkok)

About the Author
Richard's father was a runners' number for the mob in New York City. "He did something bad and was told, 'Git outta town. Udderwise.'" Richard is a high school and Ph.D. dropout. At an early age he was intoxicated with Mark Twain's quip, "Original sin is our fall into seriousness." He turned the saying upside down "Original blessing is our explosion into mirth and joy." He continues to experience delight in the Land of Laughter since 2000. His two versions of plays on Charles Manson, based on being the psychopathic killer's confidant, were staged in the San Francisco Bay Area and Sacramento, Ca. to critical acclaim by the San Francisco Chronicle and Sacramento Bee. He writes off-the-wall stories for the major English-language magazines in Bangkok. Richard is working on other books on Thailand. "So many magical things keep occurring in the land that is a tonic for the body, mind and soul."

Customer Reviews

Really enjoyed "Thai Touch"
I'm visiting Thailand in a couple of weeks, and decided to get "Thai Touch" after reading about it in the East Bay Express, an alternative weekly newspaper published in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Rubacher has lived in Thailand for years, and reports on the good and bad in his "Land of Smiles". I especially liked his portraits of various people throughout Thai society, both Thais and foreigners. His comic touch means he is not judgmental, whether he writes about Miss Jumbo, or the Forrest Gump of Thailand, or the 72 year old woman whole magical milk has healing powers, or his many friends in Thailand.

It was also a revelation to read how the King of Thailand was instrumental in overthrowing two previous dictators who had engineered coups in 1972 and 1991. Without a shot being fired, the king worked behind the scenes and persuaded the military dictators to volunteer themselves into exile.

Rubacher satisfied my curiosity about the country, and really made me look forward to my upcoming trip. I especially liked his "32 reasons for loving Thailand too much."

Going to Thailand
This little book drew me from in the moment I saw its cover. The title, Thai Touch, didn't compel me. I had read another book by Richard Rubacher and the prospect of another odd tour of Mr. Rubacher's didn't thrill me. The cover photograph attracted my attention.

A trip to Thailand has engaged my imagination for many years. I wanted to meet oriental women but didn't want to be associated with any of the so called "sex tours". Considering all, that fascination probably is my real interest. My life in the States has been very busy. But, work hasn't made me rich. I'm comfortable and retired. And, I am bored with my faults.

I'm not the kind of man who easily introduces himself to a stranger, a person he finds attractive. I hoped "Thai Touch" would tell me truthfully what a late middle aged unmarried man could expect - in cost, in politics, in laws, in diversions. As I said, I didn't want to associate myself with any tours. I would be an older single man traveling (some of) the world and traveling alone. Scary? Yes, for me.

That's how Richard Rubacher traveled to Thailand. His narrative allowed me a look into the Thai Kingdom, a place he is very happy with. From his pages, I learned the Thai attitude toward sex is wholesome but not the same as in the United States. I learned that sex workers are of two types, organized and unorganized and how both are not intimidating. I learned reverencing Lord Buddha is the source of most Thai religion. I learned that living and playing in Thailand is exotic, sexy and full of adventure. Richard Rubacher introduces his reader to the Thai Forrest Gump, to his girl friend Lek Lek, to the Thai concepts of virginity.

Generally, Thai girls are prim and proper as any in the world. Many, when they hit their eighteenth birthdays, come to major cities and work in the sex industry. Some work as masseuses, legitimately, some masseuses are interested in extra money and they aren't shy about explaining their purpose to interested ferang (foreigners).

It is quite possible to make lasting relationships with much younger women than you and living in Thailand is inexpensive.

I believe that it is possible to enjoy a few weeks or a month or more in Thailand in the company of lively, lovely younger women. The Thai attitude about sex boils down to: to each his own. The law clearly affirms that it is illegal to engage in sexual activity with anyone under eighteen years of age. Prostitution is illegal in Thailand, as it is in most of the United States. But the kingdom is a "happy place" where people who don't harm one another find fun and relaxation.

The Thai Kingdom is a happy place.

Enjoyed the book
I really enjoyed all the stories that Richard Rubacher told to paint his picture of Thailand.