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Book Review: by Lang Reid
Thailex - The Thailand
Travel Dictionary
 Have
‘books’ as we know them, seen the end of their era? For many readers this is
the case, buying their e-books on CD/DVD, and it was a DVD book that is
reviewed this week.
Thailex, Thailand Travel Dictionary, was compiled by Yves Masure and I
believe this is the 5th upgrade to what was already a fine e-book. To put
this DVD in the correct perspective, it is not a travel guide in the
accepted genre. It will not tell you where to stay for $5 a night, or
suggest you eat at any particular restaurant. It is not a simple dictionary
or simply an illustrated guide to Thailand. It is a digital encyclopedic
reference guide and as such deals with Thai history, culture, traditions,
art, religion, architecture, ethnology, cuisine, language, flora and fauna,
selected cities and places of interest - the subject matter is almost
endless.
Being the 5th edition of this e-book has also meant that Masure has refined
the concept, as well as adding further items for the reader to explore. Not
only are the items described, but many have color photographs as well, to
add to the complete coverage of the subjects, which is done in enormous
detail.
The DVD is the result of much work by the author (editor?) Yves Masure, who
has spent the last few years compiling the DVD and then refining it. Masure
had previously spent ten years escorting international tour groups on travel
adventures and treks throughout many areas of Thailand. On these tours he
took his camera, and more than 1,000 selected high quality images are
included on this DVD. His personal thirst for knowledge about Thailand was
the impetus that pushed him into the production of the Thailex.
The wealth of detail includes the influences upon Thai society and culture
brought upon the kingdom by the immigrations from India, China and the Far
East.
The Thailex Thailand Travel Dictionary is arranged in electronic pages, with
navigation as per the usual internet methods, complete with back and forward
buttons and links to other parts of the DVD. It is also best viewed using
Microsoft Internet Explorer.
The DVD is available at major bookstores, including Bookazine and the RRP is
B. 990. Whilst this may look steep initially, it is not. There is the
equivalent of several brilliantly illustrated reference books in this one
DVD, and being in the three languages of English, Thai and Dutch, increases
it worth again. Masure also suggests that being multilingual, this can
assist the reader/viewer become more familiar with Thai, as well as his or
her native tongue. Having studied Thai at university level, he may be
correct.
As an all-encompassing reference book, this is difficult to beat, and in my
mind, well worth the B. 990. Being a DVD it is also the easiest reference
book to store, taking up next to no shelf room. A most enjoyable and
absorbing read, and one that should be considered by anyone with relatives
‘back home’, with whom you would like to show your adopted country. Easily
posted and a wonderful Xmas present.
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