Bangkok Guide is considered by many expats in Bangkok to be the best resource because it is not a travel guide but written for people who are moving to Thailand and settling in Bangkok. We recommend that you get this guide together with one really good travel guide and you are set!
Very Thai is a great book about every day Thai popular culture, explaining the little quirks and customs that you’ll start to notice when you live here. It’s a good book to get a while after you have arrived in Thailand and are somewhat familiar with the culture as it will make a lot more sense. It’s an easy read, as it has very short chapters and it’s often very amusing.
Culture Shock With the insights provided in this guide, you’ll learn to see beyond the stereotypes and misinformation that often precede your arrival in Thailand. You’ll benefit from understanding the rules of driving and monetary systems, religious practices and making friends. There are tips on political traditions, building business relationships, and the particular intricacies of setting up a home. Great for the business traveler who makes a sincere attempt to cross the bridge into a new and exciting culture.
The Thai and I, Successful Living in Thailand and The Thai and I: Thai Culture and Society Two great books that will thoroughly prepare you for socializing in Thailand. From a Thai wedding, to funerals, or even how to use a squat toilet. They cover issues faced by expatriate couples, international parenting and the experience of ‘Thai time’.
Working with the Thais helps foreigners working in Thailand to understand the dynamics of business relationships, local customs and local cultural events that you may be asked to attend. Recommended by PYP principal June van den Bos.
There are hundreds of travel guides about Thailand and Bangkok. The Lonely Planet Thailand Travel Guide is a favorite amongst KIS staff but that doesn’t mean it is the best. You better have a look and compare some guides at your local book shop. Don’t bother bringing many guides for possible travels around Asia. We have a good selection in the school library and they are readily available in book shops here, either new or 2nd hand.
Lonely Planet also have a Bangkok City Guide and a Bangkok Encounter Guide.
Kinokuniya,
B2S and
Asiabooks are three chains that have a great selection of English books and magazines.
Dasa Book Cafe is a lovely little book shop/cafe to buy and sell your used books. Dasa has a fantastic selection of English books and also of books in other languages.
