Description

“What is Bangkok like?” asked an American visitor rhetorically around the turn of the last century. Some sought to answer the question by evoking its “oriental” atmosphere or by relying on clichés like “Veniceof the East.” Others insisted its contrasts and contradictions made an easy description impossible. Bangkok in the early decades of the 20th century was indeed a city in transition, mixing (as it did) east with west and tradition with modernity.

In Bangkok, published by River Books in autumn/fall 2024, is a collection of texts and images which reflect the foreign experience of Siam’s capital at a time of often unsettling change, the foreigners in question being both long-term residents and short-term visitors. We learn how they lived and worked in the city, or how they explored it as tourists. Above all, we meet Bangkok’s diverse communities and hear some of the unforgettable stories of its people.

In this illustrated talk, Graham Jefcoate (the editor) will introduce the book. There will be readings from the book (including some of the “unforgettable stories”) and an opportunity to ask questions.

There will also be an opportunity to purchase copies of the book (at a special price) and have them signed by the editor.

Presenter:

Graham Jefcoate was born in England and studied English and Library Science in Cambridge and London, though he spent much of his working life abroad, particularly in the Netherlands. Now retired, he lives mostly in Chiang Mai, where he has pursued his interest in the life of foreign communities in early 20th century Siam/Thailand. His collection Enchanted Land: Foreign Writings about Chiang Mai in the Early 20th Century was published by River Books in 2023. Graham has given many presentations and led many excursions relating to the life of foreign communities in Chiang Mai for Lifelong Learning Payap, all of them well received.

COST: 350 THB