Dear Hillary,
You have often mentioned books that newcomers to Thailand should read like Stephen Leather’s Private Dancer, and now you should add “Falangs in Thailand” to that list. This cartoon book by Mike Baird the Pattaya Mail cartoonist is based on truth and everyone who laughs at the drawings should also remember that (it is based on truth). The cartoonist must have spent a lot of time watching what goes on in Pattaya, but what he shows can be seen in Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai, anywhere there is interaction between Thai women (and some katoeys) and the lonely male. “Private Dancer” by Stephen Leather is the other one that anyone who spends time in the bars should read. Stay there long enough and it will happen to you, so be warned. I hope this helps, Hillary. I enjoy your column.
Carl
Dear Carl,
Thank you for the information about suitable books, and I have looked at both and do agree with your ideas. Unfortunately, I think many young chaps who come here (and some not so youngs as well) don’t seem to be able to read. Perhaps the cartoon books will be better for them, as long as they realize that Mike Baird is being very satirical. We can only hope, Petal. We can only hope.
