Pattaya Travel Guide eBook (pdf)

$10 off to ThaiAnxiety readers

Straightforward guide that provides genuinely useful info.

The book is very specific to Pattaya and can therefore provide detailed listings that would be totally impractical in more general guides 

By devanshoom (camelzback publishing)

The opening chapters race along as the young heroes stumble into adventures that elude expats like me. Mainly because I pre-arrange taxis to meet me from the airport rather than get on the first bus that I see!

The young adventurers get to see a lot more of Thailand than most and I particularly enjoyed flirtation with English teaching and the rescuing of a sex slave in Cambodia.

And even if one's own experience is not gained via headstrong foolhardiness then one at least knows enough to realise that the author knows Thailand well. If there are elements of his personal experience in the story then surely devanshoom could spin a few great yarns over a beer or two in a dodgy bar.

Of course I wouldn't then trust him to pick up the tab though!

A good read.

By John Burdett

Book review from UK Amazon

What great Irony, cynicism, mystery, all wrapped up in the twisted world of Bangkok's District 8.

Royal Thai police detective Sonchai Jitpleecheep is investigating the murder of a CIA operative found gutted and mutilated. the number one suspect is a hot little number Chanya who works the local saloon--and Sanchai thinks he is in love love Chanya, or is it lust? The murder of course turns out to be more complicated then it first appears. Sanchi must deal with the rages of his hard nose police captain Vikorn, as he tries to unravel the case, with Chanya slowly giving out her secrets. Mix in CIA agents, Thai army generals, Thai gangsters, Muslim terrorists, all against the funky world of district 8 in Bagkok and you have a wonderful stew of a story!

What I really enjoyed about this Burdetts writting were his characterazation, you can tell he knows Bangkok and its people, at least the seamy side of Bangkok. The Dialog is biting and witty, and the author adds his own great commentary. For a good thriller read in an exotic Local you can't go wrong here.

This book is the sequel to Bangkok 8 so read that first.

Available at UK Amazon

By John Burdett

Book review from UK Amazon

Firstly this book is incredibly readable: it starts with a shocker and just when you start getting comfortable you're hit by something totally surreal...a bit like living in Asia! Follow the main character, a Thai Policeman called Sonchai, through his own struggles with keeping his Karma in balance, dealing with the loss of his soul brother, and his innate understanding of the Western mind.

Explore the Thai Adult Industry with him and meet the Johns, the Janes and the JohnJanes... As a Westerner, it makes you feel kind of small...It's by far the best book I've read in a while...the characters are extreme and utterly believable...incredibly well written with the knowledge of one who's lived there for some time...If you're remotely interested in what happens out in the East, read this book!

The sequel is Bangkok Tattoo

Available at UK Amazon

By Neil Hutchinson

Probably the most sensible purchase you can make before spending time in Thailand. The  whole book is an amusing tirade of over-the-top advice regarding relationships with Thai girls and in particular, bar girls.

Neil Hutchinson is spot on with his observations about the tricks of the trade. The cynical emphasis seems to add to the gravity and the believability of the advice. It is as if the author has personally been on the receiving end of every trick in the book.

Hopefully anyone who reads the book should avoid most of the pitfalls and will be able to get maximum enjoyment out of a trip to Thailand.

I recommend this book heartily, I can even personally confirm the dangers described. However I cannot fully endorse the need for such cynicism. I can assure that there are many happy relationships with some lovely Thai girls. Its just about looking after yourself and getting to know the rules of the game...by buying a book like this.

Available online at: DCO

By Duncan Stearn

This is almost reads like a sequel to Money Number One. The author has got past the stage of games with a Thai girl and moves on to describe some of the difficulties of staying long term in Thailand and trying to earn a crust.

Duncan Stearn describes his time as a go-go bar business partner in Pattaya. Very autobiographical with many amusing and serious tales from a none too successful venture. The emphasis isn't about the single man's relationships with bar girls but the insight into the bar trade is excellent ammunition for the game of life in Pattaya.

The book then widens out to take in gambling scans and media manipulation of Pattaya's unique image. Finally the book tends to drift into a travel log of trips around the Far East but we pick up many fascinating lessons about Thailand in the meantime.  

Available online at: DCO