Great Read

I just finished "The King Never Smiles" by Paul M. Handley. It is a meticulously researched, if somewhat ponderous, work with 25 pages of just under 600 notes, which provides a great deal of background information on Thai culture and government, as well as the personal affairs of the Royal Family. I had often wondered about their wealth, and their actual private lives.
It explains why Thai law and the Thai constitution are unevenly enforced, and why Thais do not care.
It is a "must read" for anyone interested in Thailand for more than sex.
Enjoy!

[Smiles]

Sounds like a great read for the beach umbrellas. Should it be out in paperback in 2007? ... my retirement (YAHOOOOO :cheers: ) ... as Hua Hin umbrellas beckon, let me tell you.

Cheers ...

[haikudude]

But can I find it in Thailand book shops?

...and will it be legal to possess the book within Thailand? I wonder about the scope and range of the lese majeste (sp?) laws here.

you can order the book
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/030010 ... 07?ie=UTF8 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0300106823/sr=8-1/qid=1155790799/ref=pd_bbs_1/104-0858054-0440707?ie=UTF8)