Of all the huge natural disasters that claimed the lives of thousands in Asia, the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004 was the largest, estimated to have killed more than 230,000 people. The scope of damage brought about by this natural disaster urges focus on recovery and post-disaster reconstruction from several perspectives. Here we find an in-depth ethnography of Thailand and the role of culture and religion as an underpinning issue in post-disaster recovery. Following the post-tsunami recovery over five years, the book provides knowledge on socio-cultural responses from affected local communities after natural hazards, and is based on original material collected in Thailand after the 2004 tsunami. With a focus on how culture and religion interplay in the processes of building resilience and decreasing vulnerability, it gives a deeper understanding of how disasters are experienced and dealt with on a local level. It examines survivors’ experiences of rituals and ceremonies that became a part of the survivors’ lives in new ways after the tsunami, offering psychological reassurance and religious efficaciousness as well as communication links between themselves and the deceased. Using observations, narratives and material from in-depth interviews with survivors, relatives, relief workers, officials and Buddhist monks and nuns, this book contributes to the research on anthropology of disaster and to the development of research on cultural resilience and religion in post-disaster recovery. It will be of interest to scholars of Disaster Studies, Buddhist Studies and Asian Studies.

Provides some of the most beautiful historic homes in Thailand accompanied by insightful text telling the story of each one.

This book identifies and explores in depth the top 25 sights in Bangkok in a compact, pocket-sized guidebook that also covers other popular spots and major neighborhoods all over the city, including shops, entertainment options, restaurants, hotels, and useful details like helpful web sites and travel information to make your short trip to Bangkok a great trip. This guide is updated annually. This travel guide includes: - A useful, weather-resistant pullout city map and a metro map for easy navigation - Full-color photos and full-size street maps of major neighborhoods. - Neighborhood walks that show off the best of the city with self-guided tour ideas - Essential info - hours of operation, phone numbers, websites, and more - Popular day-trip destinations. - A two-day itinerary to explore the top attractions and what's off the beaten path. - Many hotel, restaurant, and entertainment recommendations - Major sights covered include the Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall, Baan Jim Thompson, Baan Kam Thieng, Wat Traimit, Wat Saket, Wat Ra Kang, Wat Prayoon, Wat Phra Kaeo, Wat Pho, Grand Palace, Khlong Bangkok Yai, Mae Nam Chao Phraya, National Museum, Prasart Museum, and Royal Barges Museum. With its full-color photography and top 25 to do lists, Fodor's 25 Best books are the perfect companion for any traveler. A pull out map with major sights marked, is included. About Fodor's: Written by locals, Fodor's travel guides have been offering expert advice for all tastes and budgets for over 80 years.

The romantic story of the courtship, love and marriage of Ceril, a young English girl, and ‘B. Bira’, a Siamese Prince, racing driver and sculptor, set in the golden years of the Thirties, in a world now vanished and before Siam became Thailand.

The cultural heritage of Siam is exceptionally rich and distinctive. As everywhere, this heritage is under threat--from the pace of change, from the demands of tourism, from mismanagement, and from neglect. This book is the first to examine the value of Siam's heritage and the need to protect it. These nineteen essays are written by pioneers of conservation over the last generation and by the activists of today.