Irreverent, informed and downright eclectic books and reportage from Southeast Asia and beyond
7am, Sai Daeng Beach, Ko Tao, Thailand.
The tourists are still slumbering peacefully in their bungalows and the reef in front of the beach lies placid. It’s not much of a reef, most of the coral has died – blame unregulated tourism and global warming.
But here I am, quietly swimming out into the warm, clear water, [...]
Until very recently the markets of Muang Singh, Luang Nam Tha, Phonsavan and Vang Viang were teeming with live and dead forest animals. Squirrels, civet cats, forest rats, bats, beavers, porcupine and their close relative the ‘sinhawn’ as well as an enormous variety of birds including owls and pheasants were offered from market stalls all [...]