The Routledge Handbook of Contemporary Thailand is a timely survey and assessment of the state of contemporary Thailand. While Thailand has changed much in the past decades, this handbook proposes that many of its problems have remained intact or even persistent, particularly problems related to domestic politics. It underlines emerging issues at this critical juncture in the kingdom and focuses on the history, politics, economy, society, culture, religion and international relations of the country. A multidisciplinary approach, with chapters written by experts on Thailand, this handbook is divided into the following sections. History Political and economic landscape Social development International relations Designed for academics, students, libraries, policymakers and general readers in the field of Asian studies, political science, economics and sociology, this invaluable reference work provides an up-to-date account of Thailand and initiates new discussion for future research activities.

Essential Desires: Contemporary Art in Thailand is the first major, fully illustrated survey of Thai art in thirty years. Brian Curtin shows how Thai artists negotiated their emergence on the global art stage while dealing with pan-Asian regionalism and nationalism at home. This book traces the influences on contemporary Thai artists, from the impact of consumerism in Bangkok in the 1990s to the waning legacies of tradition, and their relationship to the nation's often-volatile political stage. Curtin, in his exploration of Thailand's fascinating art scene, shows how Thai artists are generating new ideas about their country.

Heritage and Identity in Contemporary Thailand explores the intersections of memory, place, power and tourism in the production of Thai heritage and identity. The author shows that underlying officially promulgated ideas is a much deeper, richer and sometimes darker substratum of memories and practices that both undermine and enrich conventional ideas of Thailand as a Kingdom, a nation and a culture. The book views Thai culture and its heritage from a variety of perspectives that are derived from the work of Thai scholars but refracted through a more Western epistemology and its attendant critical theory. Through a juxtaposition of Thai and Western critical scholarship, it highlights key elements of Thai identity or, more accurately, the diversity of Thai identities. In the process, the book raises questions about both Thai and Western thinking about knowledge and its production.

Beginning with a history of the country and its cultural influences, this book describes and illustrates a range of structures, from Thai houses to elaborate temples and even crematoriums. It concludes with a look at contemporary Thai architecture and how traditional architecture practices have been adapted to suit modern needs.

This volume examines contemporary Thailand. It captures aspects of Thai society that have changed dramatically over the past years and that have turned Thailand into a society that is different from what most people outside the country know and expect. The social transition of Thailand has been marked by economic growth, population restructuring, social and cultural development, political movements, and many reforms including the national health care system. The book covers the social, cultural, and economic changes as well as political situations. It discusses both historical contexts and emerging issues. It includes chapters on social and public health concerns, and on ethnicity, gender, sexuality and social class. Most chapters use information from empirical-based and historical research. They describe real life experiences of the contributors and Thai people who participated in the research.

The first of the Asian Science Series, this book explores the question: Who are the Chinese in Thailand? Are they "assimilated Thais" or are they "Chinese" living in Thailand? Does their being "in" Thailand make them "of" Thailand? Through a collection of authoritative essays, this book explores how the Chinese of Thailand constantly alternate their positions within the fabric of the Thai society. For those seeking the composite image of what it means to be a Chinese, this book holds up many intriguing mirrors. This is a co-publication with Times Academic Press

With over 150 photographs and insightful text, this Thai design book showcases some of the best interiors in the country. Known for its beautiful traditional and contemporary handicrafts, it's no wonder that Thailand is home to some of the most beautifully decorated houses in the world. Elegant, innovative and versatile, Contemporary Thai is overflowing with an amazing array of design ideas. From modernist furniture, table settings, light fixtures and furnishings combining old traditions with new styles, Contemporary Thai is the perfect book for anyone looking to add a distinctive touch to their home decor.