Humor, personal experiences and insightful comments make a potent combination in Siam Smile/s, Secrets of the Thais by Hugh Watson (Bangkok Book House, 2006, 2nd edition, 285 pages, US$9.95).
The author explains his theme by saying, “The more you can see the funny side of life, the better.” Amusing anecdotes flow in a steady stream.
As a bonus, readers will understand Thailand, its people and peculiarities much better after perusing Watson’s barbed commentary on everything from romance-seeking geezers and go-go girls to Bangkok traffic jams and napping shopgirls. The author raises warning flags about the hazards of romance, business and even daily life in “Smile Land”. Recognizing Thai tastes for corruption and bamboozling, he devotes multiple chapters to “The Art of Felony”.
Early on, the author explains a Thai coping mechanism called Mental Erase, which every newcomer encounters within moments of arriving. Equally interesting, Watson sheds light on the personal turmoil, even hostility, sometimes behind the innocuous wai, that two-handed Thai greeting-gesture usually deemed so friendly.
The book’s first edition badly needed rigorous editing and better design work. Its new version banished many typos while keeping the stylistic idiosyncrasies and a simplistic layout.
Within Siam Smile/s, foreign residents of Thailand and past visitors to the fascinating country will chuckle often and groan occasionally.
For more information: bangkokbooks.com.
Approval rating: 78 per cent.
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