About the book
Based on a decade of interviews and archival research, the English translation of this bestselling graphic novel tells the story of Nok, an old blind man who sells lottery tickets in Bangkok, as he decides to leave the urban capital and return to his native village.
The King of Bangkok follows Nok as he walks the streets of the city for the last time, trying to get rid of his last five lottery tickets. With each ticket he sells, he encounters something that brings him back to a period of his life, from his arrival in Bangkok all the way to the Red Shirt protests of 2010. Through an alternation of reflections on contemporary Bangkok and flashbacks to his past, we reconstruct Nok’s story, the love story with his wife Gai, and the ups and downs of their migrant lives, as well as those of an entire country around them.
This is a story of migration to the city and distant families in the countryside, economic development eroding the land, and political protest choked in blood. Ultimately, it is a story about contemporary Thailand and how the waves of history lift, engulf, or crash two ordinary people. A perfect entry into the history of contemporary Thailand, this book is essential reading for both students and travelers.
Editions of The King of Bangkok
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9781487508869
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781487526412
- EBook
- ISBN 9781487539160
- PDF
- ISBN 9781487539153
Read an Excerpt
Based on a decade of interviews and archival research, the English translation of this bestselling graphic novel tells the story of Nok, an old blind man who sells lottery tickets in Bangkok, as he decides to leave the urban capital and return to his native village.
The King of Bangkok follows Nok as he walks the streets of the city for the last time, trying to get rid of his last five lottery tickets. With each ticket he sells, he encounters something that brings him back to a period of his life, from his arrival in Bangkok all the way to the Red Shirt protests of 2010. Through an alternation of reflections on contemporary Bangkok and flashbacks to his past, we reconstruct Nok’s story, the love story with his wife Gai, and the ups and downs of their migrant lives, as well as those of an entire country around them.
This is a story of migration to the city and distant families in the countryside, economic development eroding the land, and political protest choked in blood. Ultimately, it is a story about contemporary Thailand and how the waves of history lift, engulf, or crash two ordinary people. A perfect entry into the history of contemporary Thailand, this book is essential reading for both students and travelers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The King of Bangkok about?
Based on a decade of interviews and archival research, the English translation of this bestselling graphic novel tells the story of Nok, an old blind man who sells lottery tickets in Bangkok, as he decides to leave the urban capital and return to his native village.
The King of Bangkok follows Nok as he walks the streets of the city for the last time, trying to get rid of his last five lottery tickets. With each ticket he sells, he encounters something that brings him back to a period of his life, from his arrival in Bangkok all the way to the Red Shirt protests of 2010. Through an alternation of reflections on contemporary Bangkok and flashbacks to his past, we reconstruct Nok’s story, the love story with his wife Gai, and the ups and downs of their migrant lives, as well as those of an entire country around them.
This is a story of migration to the city and distant families in the countryside, economic development eroding the land, and political protest choked in blood. Ultimately, it is a story about contemporary Thailand and how the waves of history lift, engulf, or crash two ordinary people. A perfect entry into the history of contemporary Thailand, this book is essential reading for both students and travelers.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in The King of Bangkok?
Society and Social Sciences > Sociology and anthropology > Anthropology > Social and cultural anthropology
Where can I read a sample of The King of Bangkok?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781487508869
Who is/are the Author/s of the book The King of Bangkok?
Claudio Sopranzetti,Sara Fabbri,Chiara Natalucci
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
The King of Bangkok is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781487508869) and paperback(ISBN 9781487526412) and ebook(ISBN 9781487539160) and pdf(ISBN 9781487539153)
Where can I buy The King of Bangkok online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy The King of Bangkok from below
Where can I buy The King of Bangkok?