A Geek in Thailand - by Jody Houton (Paperback)

About the Book

A Geek in Thailand is a lighthearted look at Thailand from a young foreign visitor and resident's perspective. This alternative guide to Thailand offers a smart and concise take on Thai culture, entertainment, daily life--covering all the classics--but also revealing the path less traveled"--

Book Synopsis

A Geek in Thailand is a light-hearted but perceptive look at one of the world's most visited countries from the viewpoint of a young foreign resident.

More than just a Thai travel guide, it offers a concise but insightful take on Thailand for tourists, expats, would-be expats, and others--anyone, in fact, with interest in visiting or learning about the Land of Smiles.

Packed with short articles accompanied by sidebar stories and interviews and evocative color photographs, the author paints a vivid and revealing picture of a country built on a deep reverence for nation, religion and monarchy, yet with its own distinct, individualistic perspective.

Subjects range from the touchstones of Thai culture and history, such as its politics and economy, Buddhism and folklore, to chapters on traditional Thai design and craftsmanship, including its highly acclaimed architecture and fine silk textiles. There are also chapters on the globally popular Thai food and entertainment like kickboxing and cabaret. Chapters on the Thai character and cultural do's and don'ts will allow the reader to go beyond the Thai smile.

For visitors to the country, the author includes his top ten things to see and do in the main tourist destinations as well as an account of the principal festivals and tips on getting around.

Review Quotes

"...a lucid, well-researched study of the Land of Smiles -- and a refreshing departure from well-trodden paths...A Geek in Thailand offers a convincing picture and one that will enrich the uninitiated's understanding of our strange land." --The Nation

"A Geek in Thailand is better than a guidebook: it's a roadmap of the Thai psyche, a territory that can be just as fascinating (and just as perilous) as the physical terrain explored by more run-of-the-mill travel publications." --About.com

"If you wish to travel to Thailand, holiday there, work there, or you just enjoy travel stories, this is the book for you. It is filled with facts and stories that instantly immerse you in the culture and country." --Blue Wolf Reviews

"In an age of attenuated attention spans, this book moves quickly from subject to subject and packs a lot into its 160 pages...A Geek in Thailand should still please many different kinds of readers, from the newbie traveler who can pick up a lot of road tips and enjoy some excellent maps in the concluding chapter about travel, to the new expat looking for work and trying to make sense of a baffling workplace, or even the expat veterans." --Bangkok101

"Jody Houton's pleasant and insightful book surfs through the quirky, the profound and the plainly inexplicable culture hot points of Thailand." --Kong Rithdee, deputy editor of Life, Bangkok Post

"Packed with short articles accompanied by sidebar stories and interviews and evocative color photographs, Houton touches on the variety of Thai's daily life..." --Shanghai Daily

"Warning: after reading this alluring book, you will have to travel to Thailand." --Library Journal

"With a masterly touch, Jody Houton explains what makes Thais tick. This is a highly readable book. Houton's insights will save you years of head scratching and embarrassing confusion. A well-illustrated volume, it's also a joy to read in one sitting." --Alan Morison, editor of Phuketwan

About the Author

Jody Houton is a UK-born journalist who has traveled extensively since leaving university, and lived and worked in several different countries before settling in Thailand. His work at a number of Thai newspapers, magazines and radio stations in both the tourist area of Phuket and the capital city of Bangkok has allowed him access to some of the country's most interesting, bizarre and influential people and given him the opportunity to delve more deeply into the Thai psyche, lifestyle, culture and experience. It has also given him a unique vantage point to speak of Thailand and Thai people from the perspective of tourist, foreigner, expat and resident. The expat experience, in particular, has enabled him to form an unbiased interpretation of the benefits and disadvantages of being a foreigner living and working in Thailand.