Thailand Confidential [Paperback]

Jerry Hopkins (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 15, 2005

Why are these people smiling? Writer Jerry Hopkins came to Thailand for a visit in the 1980s to find out and ended up a permanent resident with a temporary visa-a big, white farang haunting the bars and back alleys of Bangkok. His essays explore the mystery and mayhem of "The Land of Smiles" to hilarious-and sometimes disturbing-effect. Travel with him to a place where water buffaloes are gay, insects are dinner, dildos are lucky charms, and your wildest adolescent fantasies can come true (for a nominal fee).

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Jerry Hopkins wrote bestselling biographies of Elvis Presley, Jim Morrison, and Jimi Hendrix and was an editor and correspondent for Rolling Stone for twenty years. He is the author of 30 books, including the recent Extreme Cuisine. He currently lives in Thailand.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Periplus Editions (September 15, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 079460093X
• ISBN-13: 978-0794600938
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #165,467 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #52 in Books > Travel > Asia > Thailand

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a knowledgeable insider's look at amazing Thailand, March 28, 2006

By 

Burleigh-Boy (Philadelphia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Thailand Confidential (Paperback)

Hopkins book is a clear-eyed, knowledgeable, and insightful look at Thailand by an American who's lived there for more than a decade. He captures the crazy charm of the place without falling victim to the romantic haze that falls over most first-time visitors. He still loves it - the street food, the elephants, the women, the bars, the temples, the gentle people and sharp operators, the jungles, cities, and beaches and the all-round intensity and color of the place - but also sees many of its failings. Might very well make you consider retiring there.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Much Better, December 11, 2007

By 

Waldo Pepper (Vero Beach, FL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Thailand Confidential (Paperback)

I found this work to be much better written than BANGKOK BABYLON as well as very informative. The author's prejudices become obvious at times but I guess if it's his book he can say what he thinks. Reading THAILAND CONFIDENTIAL would be helpful to anyone planning a visit to Thailand for the first time.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good introduction to Thailand....., February 25, 2008

By 

Pat (Thailand; USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Thailand Confidential (Paperback)

I bought this book before moving to Thailand and found it to be very informative. I also like Mr. Hopkins style of writing which made this book even more enjoyable. Most of what is written between these pages rings true although some of my own personal experiences differ from Mr.Hopkins. One is the Thais preference when cooking. I find more gas tanks wherever I go wheather it be a street vendor or someones home. I, like the author have a home in Issan and every house I have ever been in (incuding mine) has a gas set up for cooking (as well as coal for grilling). The only other difference of opinion is what Thai beer is the best to drink. I do agree that Thailand does not produce a "world class beer" and I am not a big fan of Thai beer in general but Chang over Singha? I prefer neither and if planning a trip to Thailand stick with the international staple beers Hieneken or Kloster or a very good Thai beer is "Leo" which is made by the Singha corp. and unlike Singha which is rather acidic Leo is very smooth and drinkable. Thailand Confidential makes for a very good introduction for anyone planning a trip to Thailand.