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100 Must-Read Thai Books


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Complete list of 100 Must-Read Thai Books

 

Note: List includes the title given by the Bangkok Post, a brief description of the work (when available), and the holdings information from UHCARL.

 

 

 

Poetry

 

1. Samakkipet Kamchan (1907)

 

Sophisticated chan-style poetry by modern poet Chit Buratad.

 

 

 

Chit Burathat

 

Samakkhiphet kham chan

 

Currently being processed

 

 

 

2. Prachum Klong Lokaniti (1917)

 

Prince Dejadisorn's compilation of klong poems on religious topics.

 

 

 

Dechadison, Prince, 1783-1859

 

Khong lokkanit

 

ASIA PL4206 .D28

 

 

 

3. Mattanaparthar (1923)

 

King Rama VI's translates this tragic-romance about the origins of the rose.

 

 

 

King Rama VI

 

Sakuntala; Matthanaphatha; Thao Sanpom; pramuan suphasit

 

Matthanaphatha appears as part of the above compilation.

 

Currently being processed

 

 

 

Bot lakhon phut khamchan ruang matthanaphata

 

Currently being processed

 

 

 

Mathanaphatha ru tamnan hang dokkulap

 

Currently being processed

 

 

 

4. Klong Glorn Kong Kruu Thep (1942)

 

Chaophraya Thammasakmontri's revised version of this old moral poem.

 

 

 

5. Phra Lor (1953)

 

Prince Narathipprapanpong's version of the classical folk tale.

 

 

 

6. Korbfah Klib Thong (1956)

 

Poetry by female National Artist Ujjeni.

 

 

 

Nit Nararak, Utcheni

 

Khop fa klip thong

 

ASIA PL4209 .N53 K3

 

 

 

7. Poetry of Angkarn Kallayanapongsa (1964)

 

The National Artist's first compilation.

 

 

 

Angkhan Kanlayanaphong, 1926-

 

Kawi niphon

 

ASIA PL4209 .A53 A17 1979

 

 

 

8. Nirat Nong Khai

 

Laung Pattanapongpakdi's reflection of the bureaucratic system during the reign of King Rama V.

 

 

 

Phatthanaphong Phakdi, luang.

 

Nirat Nongkhai

 

ASIA PL4209 .P413 N5

 

 

 

9. Rao Chana Laew Maejar (1974)

 

Poetry by socialist poet Nay Pi.

 

 

 

Nai Phi

 

Rao chana laeo mae cha

 

ASIA PL4209 .N25 R3

 

 

 

10. Kawee Kab Karnmuang (1974)

 

Poetry by activist philosopher Jit Pumisak.

 

 

 

11. Poetry of Plueng Wannasri

 

Poems by this respected activist.

 

 

 

12. Jongpen Arthit Muer Uthai

 

Work by the National Artist political poet Taveepvorn.

 

 

 

13. Piengkwarm Kluengwai (1974)

 

The philosophical lessons of nature by the first SEA Write poet, Naowarat Pongpaiboon.

 

 

 

Naowarat Phongphaibun.

 

Phiang khwamkhluanwai

 

ASIA PL4209 .N24 P5 1980

 

 

 

Phiang khwamkhluanwai

 

ASIA PL4209 .N24 P5 1990 (In English and Thai)

 

 

 

14. Korbkrung (1971)

 

Work by the pioneering, free verse poet Raj Rangrong.

 

 

 

Rattana Yawapraphat

 

Khop krung

 

ASIA PL4209 .R38 K4

 

 

 

Novels

 

15. Lakorn Haeng Cheewit (1929)

 

The work of royal-blood author M.C. Arkartdamkerng Rabibhat.

 

 

 

Akatsadamkoeng Raphiphat, M.C., 1905-1932.

 

Lakhon haeng chiwit

 

ASIA PL4209 .Q34 L3 1962

 

 

 

The circus of life

 

ASIA PL4209 .A37 L3513 1994

 

 

 

16. Karmanit (1930)

 

Classical translation of Buddhist literature by the philosophers Sathirakoses and Nakapratheep.

 

 

 

Anuman Rajadhon, Phraya, 1888-1969, Saraprasoet (Tri), Phra, 1889-1945

 

Anuson ngan phraratchathan phloeng sop Nai Sutham Phattharakhom Mo.Po.Cho., Mo.Wo.Mo., Tho.Cho.Wo.

 

ASIA PL4209 .A64 K15 1990

 

Kammanit appears as part of this work

 

 

 

17. Damrong Phrathet (1931)

 

Romantic fiction with peace and women's rights themes by Vethang.

 

 

 

18. Nueng Nai Roi (1934)

 

A story of the well-to-do pioneer female novelist Dokmaisod.

 

 

 

Dokmai Sot

 

Nung nai roi

 

Currently being processed

 

 

 

19. Bangrachan (1936)

 

Based on Mai Muangderm, the great historical battle between Thailand and Burma.

 

 

 

20. Pol Nikorn Gim-nguan

 

Classical, popular comic fiction by Por Intarapalit.

 

 

 

Pricha Inthapalit

 

Ringo sam kloe

 

ASIA PL4209 .P795 R2

 

 

 

Rnam ruang chut samkloe

 

ASIA PL4209 .P795 R81 1970

 

 

 

Ruam chut sam kloe

 

ASIA PL4209 .P795 R83 1961

 

 

 

Samkloe chut wai num

 

ASIA PL4209 .P795 S271970

 

 

 

Sam kloe chuan hua

 

ASIA PL4209 .P795 S31968

 

 

 

21. Puchana Sibthit (1939)

 

Historical romance by Yakob.

 

 

 

Yakhop, 1907-1956.

 

Phu chana sip thit

 

ASIA PL4209 .C47 P4 v. 1- 8

 

 

 

22. Peking Nakorn Haeng Kwarmlang (1943)

 

The story of Thai students in China during the revolution by Sod Kuramalohit

 

 

 

23. Ying Kon Chau (1946)

 

Thailand's first protagonist prostitute created by Kor Surangkanang.

 

 

 

K. Surangkhanang, 1911-

 

Ying khonchua

 

ASIA THAI 1656

 

Being re-cataloged

 

 

 

The prostitute

 

ASIA PL4209 .K24 Y5613 1994

 

 

 

24. Mueng Nimitr (1948)

 

Utopian ideology by M.R. Nimitmongkol Nawarat.

 

 

 

Nimitmongkhon Nawarat, M. R.

 

Muang nimit

 

ASIA PL4209 .N52 M8

 

 

 

25. Pattaya (1951)

 

Social novel satirising the pro-military and socialist movement written under the still anonymous pen-name Daohang.

 

 

 

26. Phaendin Nee Kongkrai (1952)

 

Srirat Sathapanawat's look at corruption and discrimination.

 

 

 

Sirat Sathapanawat.

 

Phaendin ni khong khrai

 

ASIA PL4209 .S55 P38 1989

 

 

 

27. Si Phaendin (1954)

 

The life of a court lady by M.R. Kukrit Pramoj.

 

 

 

Kukrit Pramoj, M.R.

 

Si phaendin

 

ASIA PL4209 .K84 S5

 

 

 

Four reigns

 

ASIA PL4209 .K8 S513 1981

 

 

 

28. Lae Pai Kangnar (1955)

 

Sriburapa's social comment.

 

 

 

Kulap Saipradit, 1905-1973.

 

Lae pai khang na: phak matchim wai

 

ASIA PL4209 .K86 L3

 

The library does not own a complete set.

 

 

 

29. Pisaj (1957)

 

Seni Saowapong's book on a love tainted by class discrimination.

 

 

 

Seni Sauvapong, 1918-

 

Pisat

 

ASIA PL4209 .S394 P57 1981

 

 

 

30. Tung Maharaj (1964)

 

Malai Chupinit's novel based in the South.

 

 

 

Malai Chuphinit, 1906-1963.

 

Thung maharat

 

ASIA PL4209.M31 T41

 

 

 

31. Mahabandit Haeng Mitilanakorn (1964)

 

Yaem Prapathong's Buddhist novel.

 

 

 

32. Seplay Boy Chaorai (1969)

 

Acclaimed as Rong Wongsawan's verson of The Tortilla Flat by John Steinbeck.

 

 

 

33. Jodmaay Jark Muang Thai (1970)

 

Botan's depiction of the lives of Chinese immigrants.

 

 

 

Botan

 

Chotmai chak Muang Thai

 

ASIA PL4209 .B75 C5

 

 

 

Letters from Thailand

 

HMLTN PZ4.B748 Le 1977

 

Being re-cataloged

 

 

 

Letters from Thailand

 

ASIA PL4209 .B6 C5 1982

 

 

 

Briefe aus Thailand

 

ASIA PL4209 .B6 C515 1989

 

 

 

Letters from Thailand

 

ASIA PL4209 .B6 C4 1994

 

 

 

34. Rao Likit Bon Lumsop Vasitthi

 

Ror Jantapimpa's romance set during World War II.

 

 

 

35. Sang Cheewit

 

Luang Vijitwatakarn's novel about a man trying to make a name for himself.

 

 

 

36. Maesai Sa-uen (1971)

 

Or Chaiworasilp's work about a northern woman's life.

 

 

 

37. Khao Chue Karn (1971)

 

Suwannee Sukhontha's tragedy about a doctor's fight against corruption.

 

 

 

Suwanni Sukhontha, 1932-1984

 

Khao chu Kan

 

ASIA PL4209 .S89 K3

 

 

 

38. Tawan Tokdin (1972)

 

Krisna Asoksin's novel on government corruption.

 

 

 

39. Soythong (1974)

 

Nimit Poonthavorn's novel discovers the significance of life with the help of a pigeon.

 

 

 

40. Piurab Daeng (1974)

 

Suwat Woradilok's take on the life of a Thai seeking political refuge in China.

 

 

 

Suwat Woradilok.

 

Phirap daeng

 

ASIA PL4209 .S9 P47

 

 

 

41. Luuk Isan (1976)

 

Kampoon Boontawee classic on the lives of Isan villagers.

 

 

 

42. Sritanonchai

 

Revised version of the centuries-old tales of a tricky old man.

 

 

 

Short Stories

 

43. Nor Mor Sor's Nitarn Vetal (1918)

 

Translated from Indian literature.

 

 

 

No. Mo. So., 1877-1945.

 

Nithan wetan

 

ASIA PL4209 .P55 N8 1963

 

 

 

44. Manas Janyong's Jabtaay

 

 

 

Manat Chanyong, 1907-1965.

 

Chap tai

 

ASIA PL4209 .M33 C4

 

 

 

45. Por Buranapakorn's short stories.

 

 

 

46. Sor Thammayo's short stories.

 

 

 

So Thammayot, 1913-1952

 

Elaen Balong lae ruang san thi san laeo

 

This compilation contains some but not all of the recommended stories. Currently being processed

 

 

 

47. Tanom Mahapaoraya's Plaay Maliwan and other short stories.

 

 

 

48. Jantri Siribunrod's Pudab Duang Arthit and other science fiction.

 

 

 

49. Isara Amantakul's Yuk Tamin short stories.

 

 

 

50. Arjin Panjapan's Muang Rae

 

A set of short stories about miners' lives.

 

 

 

51. Loa Kam Hom's Fah Bor Kan and other stories.

 

 

 

Khamsing, Srinawk (Lao Khamhom), 1930-

 

Fa bo kan

 

ASIA PL4209 .K49 F3 1979

 

Being re-cataloged

 

 

 

Lao Khamhxom

 

Fa bo kan

 

ASIA PL4209 .L49 F3

 

Being re-cataloged

 

 

 

52. Dr Saneur Intarasuksri's Puernkao.

 

 

 

Sanoe Intharasuksi

 

Chut phuan nakrian kao "phuan kao"

 

Currently being processed

 

 

 

53. Witayakorn Chiengkul's Chanjueng Mahar Kwarm Maay

 

 

 

54. Humourist's humourous short stories.

 

 

 

55. Nikom Rayawa's Kon Bon Tonmai and other short stories.

 

 

 

Nikhom Raiyawa

 

Khon bon tonmai

 

ASIA PL4209 .N464 K46 1984

 

 

 

History

 

56. Prawat Khotmai Thai

 

The history of Thai law by Belgian lawyer Ror Langat.

 

 

 

Langgard, R

 

Prawattisat kotmai Thai: kotmai ekkachon

 

ASIA CLOSED KQB .T5 L363 1935

 

 

 

57. Nitarn Borankadee

 

History and archaeology stories by Prince Damrongrajanuparb.

 

 

 

Damrongrachanuphap, Prince, son of Mongkut, King of Siam,1862-1943.

 

Nithan borankhadi

 

ASIA PL4209 .D3 N58

 

 

 

Nithan boran khadi: bang ruang

 

ASIA PL4209 .D3 N59 1966

 

 

 

Nithan boran khadi

 

ASIA PL4209 .D3 N58 1968

 

 

 

Nithan borannakhadi

 

ASIA PZA 95B03.01

 

Being re-cataloged

 

 

 

Nithan borannakhadi

 

ASIA PZA 920902.85

 

Being re-cataloged

 

 

 

58. Chao Cheewit

 

Stories of the Chakri dynasty by Prince Julakrabongse.

 

 

 

Chula Chakrabongse, Prince, 1908-1963.

 

Chao chiwit

 

ASIA DS578 .C48 1962

 

 

 

59. Chome Nar Sakdina Thai

 

Jit Pumisak's book about Thai feuds.

 

 

 

Somsamai Sisutphan. (Chit Phumisak)

 

Chomna khong sakdina Thai nai patchuban

 

ASIA DS571 .C5422 1996

 

 

 

The real face of Thai feudalism today

 

(Appears as a part of Thai Radical Discourse)

 

ASIA DS568 .R49 1987

 

 

 

60. Sangkom Thai Nai Samai Ton Ratanakosin 1782 to 1873

 

Urban anthropologist Akin Rapeepat's look at early Bangkok society.

 

 

 

Akin Rabibhadana, M.R.

 

The organization of Thai society in the early Bangkok period, 1782-1873.

 

ASIA HN750.5 .A8 A63

 

ASIA HN750.5 .A8 A63 1996

 

 

 

61. Kabot Ros Sor 130 (1960)

 

Rien Srichand and Netr Poonvivat look at a failed revolution during the period of absolute monarchy.

 

 

 

Rian Sichan, Net Phunwiwat

 

Kabot ro.so 130 (kan patthiwat khrang raek khong Thai)

 

ASIA DS585 .R56 1976

 

 

 

62. Sarn Thai Nai Adeet

 

The history of the Thai court system courtesy of self-taught historian Prayut Sitthipat.

 

 

 

63. Prawatsart Thai Samai 1809 to 1910 Darn Settakit Lae Darn Sangkom (1974)

 

Self-taught researcher Chai Ruensilp looks at the economic and social aspects of Thailand in days past.

 

 

 

Chai Ruangsin.

 

Prawatsat Thai samai, 2352-2453

 

ASIA DS578 .C417

 

Being re-cataloged; Library does not own full set.

 

 

 

Prawat sat Thai samai, 2352-2453

 

ASIA DS578 .C417 1976

 

Being re-cataloged; Library does not own full set.

 

 

 

Religion/Philosophy

 

64. Phra Prawat Traslao (1924)

 

Supreme Patriarch Prince Vajirayarn Varoros on court and monk life.

 

 

 

Wachirayanawarorot, Prince, son of Mongkut, King of Siam, Supreme Patriarch, 1860-1921.

 

Phraprawat trat lao

 

ASIA BL1473 .W3 A3

 

 

 

65. Panyawiwat (1952)

 

Samak Burawat's book on intellectual evolution.

 

 

 

66. Phra Trai Pidok Chabab Pracharchon (1958)

 

Sucheep Punyanuparb's book is a digest version of holy Buddhist scriptures.

 

 

 

Suchip Punyanuphap

 

Phratraipidok chabap samrap prachachon

 

ASIA BQ1138 .S83 1983

 

 

 

67. Puttatham (1971)

 

Phra Dhammapidok's book on Buddhism.

 

 

 

Phra Thepwethi (Phra Prayudh Payutto)

 

Phutthatham

 

ASIA BQ4018 .T4 P48

 

 

 

Phutthatham: chabap prapprung lae khayai khwam

 

ASIA BQ4165 .P4758 1986

 

 

 

Buddhadhamma: natural laws and values for life (English)

 

ASIA BQ4150 .P46813 1995

 

 

 

68. Itappajjaiyatar (1973)

 

Buddhadasa Bhikku writes of his Buddhist philosophy.

 

 

 

Literary/Language

 

69. Wannakadee Lae Wannakadee Vijarn (1943)

 

By pioneer literature expert Vit Siwasiriyanond.

 

 

 

Wit Siwasariyanon, 1913-

 

Wannakhadi lae wannakhadi wichan

 

ASIA PN45 .W58 1961

 

 

 

Wannakhadi lae wannakhadi wichan

 

ASIA PN45 .W59 1975

 

 

 

70. Pratimakham Thai (1947)

 

Silpa Bhirasri's book on Thai sculpture.

 

 

 

71. Vittaya Wannakam (1963)

 

Prince Narathippongprapan's look at literature and linguistics.

 

 

 

Narathip Phongpraphan, Prince, 1891-

 

Witthaya wannakam

 

Currently being processed

 

 

 

Witthaya saranukrom

 

ASIA H49 .N37

 

Uncertain if this is the same book.

 

 

 

72. Oe War Arna Pracharrat

 

Sanit Chareonrat's record of the journalism and social circles of the 1940s.

 

 

 

73. Kwarm-ngarm Kong Silapa Thai (1967)

 

Nor Na Parknam's book on Thai art.

 

 

 

No. Na Paknam, 1928-

 

Khwamngam khong sinlapa Thai

 

ASIA N7321 .N12

 

 

 

74. Pasar Khotmai Thai (1968)

 

Thanin Kraivichien's fascinating book on the language of Thai law.

 

 

 

Thanin Kraiwichian

 

Phasa kotmai Thai

 

ASIA K.T4 .T367P4

 

 

 

Phasa kotmai Thai

 

Currently being processed

 

 

 

75. Wannasarn Samnuek

 

Compilation of literary criticism by Supar Sirimanond.

 

 

 

Supha Sirimanon

 

Wannasan samnuk: khwamsamnuk nai itthiphon susan khong nangsu

 

ASIA PL4200 .S96 1986 v. 1

 

ASIA PL4200 .S96 1986 v. 2

 

 

 

76. Wanwaitayakorn Chabab Wannakadee Vijarn (1971)

 

Comparative literature by Chetana Nagavajara and M.L. Boonlua Dhebbayasuwan.

 

 

 

Chettana Nakwatchara; Bunlua Thepphayasuwan, M. L.,

 

Wanwaithaykon: Chumnum botkhwam thang wichakan chabap wannakhadi

 

Currently being processed

 

 

 

77. Saeng Arun 2 (1979)

 

Compilation of architecture articles by Saengarun Ratanakasikorn.

 

 

 

Saengarun Rattakasikon

 

Saengarun 2

 

ASIA NA7435 .A1 S24 1980

 

 

 

Sociology/Anthropology

 

78. Praraja Pithi Sibsong Duen (1911)

 

King Rama V chronicles the traditional, monthly royal customs.

 

 

 

Chulalongkorn, King of Siam, 1853-1910.

 

Phraratchaphithi sipsong duan

 

ASIA GT5390 .C57 1963

 

 

 

79. Sarn Somdej

 

Compilation of correspondence between Prince Damrongrajanuparb and Prince Naritsaranuwattivong on cultural subjects.

 

 

 

Naritsaranuwattiwong, Prince, son of Mongkut, King of Siam, 1863-1947

 

San somdet

 

ASIA DS568 .N37

 

This title contains 27 volumes

 

 

 

San somdet

 

ASIA DS568 .N372

 

 

 

San somdet

 

ASIA DS578.3 .N358 1991

 

 

 

San Somdet: chabap thi yang mai khoei phim Pho. So. 2475

 

ASIA DS578.3 .N36 1990

 

 

 

80. 30 Chart Nai Chiang Rai (1950)

 

A look at northern minorities by Boonchauy Srisawad.

 

 

 

81. Thienwan (1952)

 

Sa-ngob Suriyin's biography of the pioneering Thai modern thinker.

 

 

 

Sangop Suriyin

 

Thianwan

 

ASIA HN700.55 .A8 S364 1967

 

 

 

82. Kale Marntai (1961)

 

Anthropological linguistics by Banchob Pantumethar.

 

 

 

83. Parata Vittaya (1967)

 

Karuna and Ruengurai Kusalasai's look at India.

 

 

 

84. Fuen Kwarm Lang (1968)

 

Phraya Anumarnrajathon's examination of cultural and social subjects.

 

 

 

Anuman Rajadhon, Phraya, 1888-1969.

 

Fun khwamlang

 

ASIA DS570.6 .A58 1969-70

 

 

 

85. Nitran Chao Rai (1972)

 

Sawad Chantani provides miscellaneous titbits about social history.

 

 

 

86. Kwarmpenmar Kong Kam Siam, Thai, Laos Lae Kom lae Laksana Thang Sangkom Kong Chue Chonchart

 

Jit Pumisak's look at the origins of language in Thailand and its neighbours.

 

 

 

Chit Phumisak

 

Khwampenma khong kham Sayam Thai Lao lae Khom la

 

ASIA PL4200 .C43 1976

 

 

 

87. Autobiography of Mom Sripromma Kridakorn (1979)

 

The memoirs of this distinguished modern woman.

 

 

 

Siphromma Kritdakon, Mom, 1888-1978

 

Attachiqaprawat Mom Siphromma Kritdakon: phrom duai khamsamphat lae ruang withi thanom raksa ahan

 

Currently being processed

 

 

 

The autobiography of Lady Siphroma Kridakon

 

Currently being processed

 

 

 

88. 80 Pee Nai Cheewit Kong Karpachao

 

Autobiography by this thinker and cultural expert.

 

 

 

Economics/Politics

 

89. Sapayasart (1911)

 

The Kingdom's first book on Economics courtesy of Phraya Suriyanuwat.

 

 

 

Suriyanuwat, phraya

 

Sap sat

 

ASIA HG1300.5 .S95 1975

 

 

 

90. Buenglang Karn Patiwat 2475 (1941)

 

Kularb Saypradit highlights the start of democracy.

 

 

 

91. Thai Kab Songkram Loke Krangthee Song (1966)

 

Thailand and the Second World War as told by Direk Chaiyanam.

 

 

 

Direck Jayanama, 1905-1967.

 

Siam and World War II (Thai kap songkhram lok khrang thi song)

 

ASIA DS578.32 .D57 A313 1978

 

 

 

92. Santiprachartham (1973)

 

A compilation of social comments by Pauy Ungphakorn.

 

 

 

93. Har Pee Parithat (1973)

 

A compilation of editorial articles written by Sangkomsart Parithat magazine editor Sulak Sivaraksa.

 

 

 

Sulak Sivaraksa

 

Ha pi chak parithat

 

ASIA HN750.5 .S74

 

 

 

94. Kwarmpen Anijjang Kong Sangkom

 

Social comments by Pridi Banomyong.

 

 

 

95. Tarn Pridi (1974)

 

Duen Bunnag profiles Thai statesman and ideologist Pridi Banomyong.

 

 

 

Duan Bunnak

 

Than Pridi rattha-burut awuso

 

ASIA DS578.32 .P74 D83 1974

 

ASIA DS578.32 .P74 D83 1957

 

 

 

96. Wan Mahapiti

 

A special publication by the Students' Association of Thammasat University to commemorate the events of October 14, 1973.

 

 

 

Students' Association of Thammasat University

 

Wan mahapiti

 

ASIA DS586 .W35

 

 

 

Science/Natural Science

 

97. Nangsue Sadaeng Kitjanukit (1867)

 

Thailand's first natural science book by Choapraya Tiparkorawong.

 

 

 

98. Paetsart Songkrao

 

Pioneering traditional medicine text book.

 

 

 

99. Thammachart Narnar Sat (1961)

 

A wealth of zoological knowledge by Boonsong Lekakul.

 

 

 

100. Kabuankarn Kawe Jon

 

A series of Prayoon Chanyawong's illustrated newspaper columns from 1976 to 1978. Topics include plants, food and daily life-related science.

 

 

 

Prayun Chanyawong

 

Khabuankan kae chon

 

 

 

 

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Do you know of Farang writing paperbacks. easy read for beach ? All about Thailand..novels etc etc. Have just read good book on Cambodia by Amit Gilboa. All about sex and Ganja. Very good read. People in this country have had bad time. Good place for ladies.

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