National Library

Samsen Road, Tel 281-5212, 281-5313

The English language section is not particularly convincing; the National Library also is not exactly conveniently located for most foreign visitors or residents.

Siam Society

131 Soi 21 (Asoke), Sukhumvit Road

Tel 258-3494, 258-3491

The library is open only to members.

A.U.A. Library

(American University Alumni Association)

179 Rajadamri Road

Tel 252-8170 to 3, 252-8395 to 9

The preferred library of the author of Cockatoo’s Handbook. Especially good selection of English language periodicals, ranging from general interest magazines and American newspapers to cultural and trade magazines; general admission and no fees charged; facilities to see video tapes. Library hours: Mon-Fri 8:30-20:00, Sat 10:00-15:00.

Neilson Hays Library

195 Surawong Road, Tel 233-1731

Next to the British Club and itself rather British. A lending library for preschoolers to adults, with membership open to all who enjoy reading in English (no country in the world has as many public libraries as does Britain). Probably not exactly the place where foreign businessmen will research possible trade contacts but well stocked with books for expatriate children. The library also arranges children’s programs such as puppet shows. Library hours: Mon-Sat, 9:30-16:00.

As anywhere in the world, in Thailand, too, university libraries are among the best. One of the largest libraries in the country is owned by Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok on Phaya Thai Road. While there might be some formalities before foreigners are admitted it’s worth it if one seeks special information.

The law faculty of Chulalongkorn University has an excellent library of English language books on Thai laws.

All Bangkok branches of cultural institutes of industrialized nations also have libraries. For a list of these cultural institutes, please see the end of the chapter Art & Culture.

Bookstores

Asia Books

bookstore chain; Asia Books is the leading English language bookstore chain in Thailand. They have not just best-sellers or travel books but also a large selection of special interest titles.

Sukhumvit (main branch)

221 Sukhumvit Rd, between Soi 15 and 17

Tel 252-7277, 252-4373, Fax 251-6042

9:00-20:00

Peninsula branch

(graphic art book shop)

2nd fl, Peninsula Plaza, Rajadamri Road

Tel 253-9786 to 8, Fax 254-0737

10:00-20:00

Landmark A (general book shop)

1st fl, Landmark Plaza, Sukhumvit Road

Tel 252-5839, 252-5456, Fax 251-5993

10:00-20:00

Landmark Z (art and architecture)

3rd fl, Landmark Plaza, Sukhumvit Road

Tel 252-5655, 2529901, Fax 251-5993

10:00-20:00

Thaniya

(Professional Book Center)

3rd fl, Thaniya Plaza, Silom Road

Tel 231-2106 to 7, Fax 231-2108

10:00-21:00

DK Book House

Duang Kamol Company, bookstore chain

in Bangkok branches on Sukhumvit Road, Patpong and Siam Square

Chalermnit Bookshop

137/8 Gaysorn Road, Rajaprasong

books in English, French and German, with an emphasis on travel related topics

The Book Chest

240 Soi 2, Siam Square

Tel 251-6334, 251-1764; 9:00-20:00

downstairs a pretty ordinary bookstore; upstairs computer books and, so it seems, computer software which doesn’t come in the original packaging

Villa Supermarket

Sukhumvit Road near Soi 33

small bookstore upstairs; mainly current English language best-sellers

Bangkok Books

302-304 Soi 4, Siam Square

Tel 251-6348

Mon-Thu 9:00-21:00, Fri-Sun 9:00-21:30

mostly entertaining books

Best Books

76/29 Soi Lang Suan, Ploenchit Road

Tel 252-4239, 252-5033, 252-5231

Mon-Fri 8:30-17:00, Sat 8:30-14:00.

The Bookseller

Patpong, good selection of foreign language periodicals

Elite Used Books

593/5 Sukhumvit Road (near Soi 33)

Tel 258-0221; 9:00-20:00

second hand books in many languages; good selection of English, German and French titles; the shelves are not very well ordered as the owner obviously does not speak all the languages of which he has some books. Large numbers of junk titles which will not interest anybody and must have been there for years (guide to rail travel in the US, 1966 edition); on the other hand much read best-sellers at prices less than half of what they cost in other bookstores. Elite also buys second hand books (at no more than one third of what will be the selling price).

National Museum Bookstore

National Museum; chiefly books and brochures on Thai art and culture; publications of the Department of Fine Arts

Fine Arts Gift Shop

Silpakorn University, Naprathat Road

near the Grand Palace

Tel 224-4702; 9:00-18:00

specializing in books on art and culture; art and culture magazines

White Lotus

16 Soi 47, Sukhumvit Road; Tel 258-7219

Mon-Fri 8:00-17:00, Sat 8:00-12:00

books on Thailand and neighboring countries; also rare and out-of-print titles

Odeon Store

218/10-12 Soi 1, Siam Square

Tel 251-4476; 9:00-20:00

mainly text books

Alliance Francaise Bookstore

29 Sathorn Tai Road, Tel 213-2122

French books and magazines

Cultural Organizations & Institutes

Thailand Cultural Center

Ratchadaphisek Road, Tel 245-7711 to 9

Theater performances both by Thai and foreign groups; the Thailand Cultural Center was opened in December 1987, celebrating the 60th birthday of King Bhumiphol Adulyadej. It is fully integrated for social, educational and cultural activities. The facilities include the Main Hall, a 2,000 seat auditorium fully equipped for stage presentations, concerts and international conferences; the Small Hall, a 500 seat multi-purpose auditorium integrated with a 1,000 seat amphitheater; and the Social Education and Exhibition Building which houses a cultural library, exhibition halls, a 200-seat lecture theater, meeting rooms, language laboratory, audiovisual rooms etc.

Siam Society

131 Soi 21 (Asoke), Sukhumvit Road

Tel 258-3494, 258-3491

The Society is active in practically all fields of Thai art and culture, though an emphasis seems to be on historical rather than current aspects. Excellent library which, however, is open only to members. Nevertheless, non-members can participate in excursions which of course are mainly to sites of cultural significance.

British Council

428 Soi 2, Siam Square

behind Lido Cinema

Tel 252-6136 to 8

British cultural institute; library, language courses, music and theater performances

Alliance Francaise

29 Sathorn Tai Road, Tel 213-2122

French cultural institute, library, language courses, films, exhibitions, concerts, lectures and theater performances; French bookstore

Goethe Institute

18/1 Soi Attakarnprasit, Sathorn Tai Rd

Tel 286-90024, 281-7211

German cultural institute; language courses, German library, cultural programs

A.U.A.

(American University Alumni Association)

179 Rajadamri Road

Tel 252-8170 to 3, 252-8395 to 9

Excellent library with facilities to see video tapes; exhibitions, language courses in large classes, mainly for Thai students

• Art & Culture
• Architecture Part 1
• Architecture Part 2
• Architecture Part 3
• Archaeological Sites
• Museums
• Museums Part 2
• Performing Arts
• Floral Arrangements
• Painting

I have been writing about tongkat ali long before it was popular, for some 10 years, and I do feel some responsibility for the reputation of this marvelous herb.