Rating: 
Summary: A great introduction to Thai people and Thailand
Review: A frank and humorous book that helps introduce readers to Thailand, and highlights many of the gaps between Thai and western culture. Although written a few years ago, the observations and insights still ring true. A great reference for those traveling or moving to Thailand. If you want to avoid cultural faux paus while visiting Thailand, you ought to read this book.
Rating:
Summary: Culture shock Thailand, or Bangkok?
Review: Culture Shock Thailand is very good start for anyone planning to live in or visit Bangkok, less so for those planning to live elsewhere. But it is really only a start. Many of the rules of etiquette given are over simplified but are good guidelines to start from. For example, the book make it appear as if no one ever dares to touch anyone else on the head, if fact they do so quite often. But for someone arriving for the first time or visiting for a short time it's best to follow this guideline. My main complaint about this book is that it's centered around Bangkok. I found large parts of it less than useful for life in the mid-sized northern town where I lived. For the most part, everything outside Bangkok is classed as "Upcountry" and mentioned only occationally as if it were another planet the expart would rarely venture into. Still, I would strongly reccommend it for anyone planning to live and work in Thailand. But once your there, don't expect everything to work exactly as described in the guide.
Rating: 
Summary: Can't find this kind of helpful culutre info on the web.
Review: Having lived in Thailand for several years, I have been searching for a book that captures the unique culture of Thailand. THIS IS THE BOOK. Culture Shock: Thailand explains the obvious and not so obvious aspects of Thais and their culture. For any one visiting or living in Thailand, read this book before going. The culture quiz at the end of the book has also been helpful when I have taught Thai culture to groups preparing to visit Thailand.
Rating: 
Summary: Out of date info.
Review: I read this book having been in Thailand a few weeks. I some of the info out of date and not in touch with modern Thailand as it is today. Suggest readers look at more current titles to gain an ingisht into living in this country.
Rating:
Summary: More than a guidebook, gives an inside look at the Thais
Review: I recently went to Thailand and bought 4 books and Nancy Chandler's map of Bangkok. Of those four books (and the map) this was the most helpful on my trip. It gave me something no other guidebook ever has given me: an inside look at Thai culture and an understanding of my own reactions as a transplant into a totally foreign environment. If you want to go to Thailand and see the tourist attractions, then almost any guidebook will do. But if you want to experience the tradition with an understanding of the history and meaning behind it, or get to know the people on a level closer than just a touristing "farang" [foreigner], this book will open your eyes to the uniquely beautiful ways of the Thais. This is more than just a guidebook, this is an inside look at Thailand you won't find anywhere else.
Rating:
Summary: More than a guidebook, gives an inside look at the Thais
Review: I recently went to Thailand and bought 4 books and Nancy Chandler's map of Bangkok. Of those four books (and the map) this was the most helpful on my trip. It gave me something no other guidebook ever has given me: an inside look at Thai culture and an understanding of my own reactions as a transplant into a totally foreign environment. If you want to go to Thailand and see the tourist attractions, then almost any guidebook will do. But if you want to experience the tradition with an understanding of the history and meaning behind it, or get to know the people on a level closer than just a touristing "farang" [foreigner], this book will open your eyes to the uniquely beautiful ways of the Thais. This is more than just a guidebook, this is an inside look at Thailand you won't find anywhere else.
Rating: 
Summary: Out of date but still useful
Review: If you're looking for a short read with add-on value, then this book is for you. It has more depth than what you will find in a Fodor's or Lonely Planet. Part of the book tries to appeal to expats moving their families to Thailand, which is a mistake because you just can't cover the complexities of that chore in a small paperback. Unfortunately, the book IS out of date. While originally published in the early 80s, it looks more like the early 70s. If I were the author, I would make a serious attempt at revamping the whole thing. I felt like I was reading an old National Geographic.
Rating:
Summary: Out of date but still useful
Review: If you're looking for a short read with add-on value, then this book is for you. It has more depth than what you will find in a Fodor's or Lonely Planet. Part of the book tries to appeal to expats moving their families to Thailand, which is a mistake because you just can't cover the complexities of that chore in a small paperback. Unfortunately, the book IS out of date. While originally published in the early 80s, it looks more like the early 70s. If I were the author, I would make a serious attempt at revamping the whole thing. I felt like I was reading an old National Geographic.
Rating:
Summary: Out of date info.
Review: This book is funny, perceptive, accurate and affectionate. If you're considering moving to Thailand, or even a long vacation, this book should be at the top of your reading list.
Rating:
Summary: Indispensable guide for anyone moving to Thailand
Review: This book is funny, perceptive, accurate and affectionate. If you're considering moving to Thailand, or even a long vacation, this book should be at the top of your reading list.
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