From artifacts of ancient pre-Thai civilizations to achievements of the Thai kingdom in the early twentieth century, the enduring vestiges and persistent vitality of Thai heritage continue to entice visitors, residents, and researchers. Photographer and author Jim Wageman traveled to both well-known and little-visited sites throughout Thailand to capture images that convey the breadth and intricacy of the country's heritage. Wageman presents his images in a gorgeous layout that is matched by solid, well-researched captions and explanations. Beautiful and incisive, The Timeless Heritage of Thailand is an outstanding compendium for anyone fascinated by the treasures of Thailand's cultural heritage.

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.

Tourist brochures and travel guides depict Thailand as an exotic country with a rich cultural heritage, strong religious traditions, and a popular monarchy. Historians also contribute to Thailand’s international allure with chronicles of its unique historical and cultural continuity in comparison to the other southeast Asian countries, whose histories are stained by colonialism and nationalist struggles for independence. Thailand challenges these stereotypes with a reinterpretation as well as an introduction to the emergence of Thailand as a nation-state. The book argues that the development of Thai nationhood was a long-term process shaped by interactions with the outside world, its pursuit of civilization, and, more recently, globalization. Maurizio Peleggi’s original account investigates, among other issues, the evolution of the geographical and linguistic landscapes, changes in class and gender relations, the role of institutions and ideologies, modern cultural expressions, social memory, and the conception of the Thai national self as contrasted against the racial and cultural Others of Burmese, Chinese and Westerners. Thailandis a concise and compelling introduction to the complexities that lie behind Thailand’s exotic facade.

This guide covers the history and art of the early Kingdom of Sukhothai, which was situated in the fertile Yam River basin of north-central Thailand and comprises the cities of Sukhothai, Si Stachanalai and Kamphaeng Phet. Renowned for artistic achievement in the mid-thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, influences from earlier inhabitants of the area and neighbouring kingdoms were overlaid with Theravada Buddhist ideas from Sinhalese culture to create a unique style that is recognized today as 'classic' Thai art. As well as providing an in-depth survey of over 80 temples in the three sites and highlighting the masterpieces from related museums, author Dawn Rooney discusses the art and architecture of the period, with a special section on ceramics. The author takes the reader on a journey to the early Kingdom of Sukhothai and explores the remains and cultural heritage of this sacred site. AUTHOR: Dawn Rooney has lived and worked in Thailand for 30 years and is an expert in Southeast Asian Art. She has a PhD in ceramics. 395 colour illustrations

"Bangkok: A City of Timeless Transformation" is an enthralling journey through the captivating history of Thailand's capital, tracing its evolution from a modest riverside settlement to a bustling global metropolis. This meticulously researched book offers readers a comprehensive exploration of Bangkok's historical milestones, cultural shifts, and political transformations that have shaped it into the vibrant city it is today. The Early Foundations The story begins in the late 18th century, when Bangkok was founded by King Rama I of the Chakri Dynasty. The establishment of Bangkok as the new capital marked a pivotal moment in Thai history, symbolizing the resilience and continuity of the Thai state following the fall of Ayutthaya. The book delves into the early years of the city, detailing the construction of grand palaces, temples, and fortifications that laid the groundwork for Bangkok’s unique architectural and cultural identity. Chakri Dynasty and Early Development As Bangkok flourished under the reigns of successive kings, the city began to expand both in size and influence. The book explores the early Chakri Dynasty's efforts to solidify the city's status as the heart of Thailand, highlighting significant events such as the establishment of the Grand Palace, the building of the Emerald Buddha Temple, and the introduction of new administrative and legal reforms. These developments positioned Bangkok as a center of political power and cultural heritage in Southeast Asia. Colonial Pressures and Modernization The 19th century brought with it new challenges as colonial powers began to exert influence across the region. "Bangkok: A City of Timeless Transformation" examines how the city navigated these pressures, balancing tradition with modernization. The book offers insights into King Mongkut (Rama IV) and King Chulalongkorn's (Rama V) diplomatic and modernization efforts, which included infrastructure improvements, the introduction of Western education, and the modernization of the military. These changes set the stage for Bangkok's emergence as a modern city while maintaining its distinct Thai identity. 20th Century Struggles and Growth Moving into the 20th century, the book charts Bangkok's journey through periods of political upheaval, economic challenges, and rapid urbanization. (Created with ChatGPT)

The second edition of this book draws on new Thai-language research and brings the Thai story up to date.