SILK, THEN SILENCE
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Architect, OSS operative, and the man who revived Thailand’s signature textile industry, Jim Thompson built a
second life in Bangkok—before disappearing in Malaysia’s Cameron Highlands in 1967.
Joe Cummings
After earning an MA in Southeast Asian Studies at the University of California at Berkeley, Joe Cummings became one of Lonely Planet's first guidebook authors, creating the seminal Lonely Planet’s Thailand guide, followed by titles on Bangkok, Thailand’s Islands & Beaches, Northern Thailand and Laos. In a review of Lonely Planet Thailand, the American Geographical Society wrote “One of those rare travel guides written with such care and insight it deserves listing as literature.” Joe has served as deputy editor for the Bangkok Post's TheMagazine, and is now editor-at-large for Talisman Media Group, which produces Bangkok 101 magazine, Bangkok Art Map (BAM), and other publications. He has contributed to over 50 reference books on destinations in Asia and North America, including Buddhist Stupas in Asia; World Food Thailand; Buddhist Temples of Thailand; Burmese Art, Design & Architecture; Muay Thai; Chiang Mai Style. Lanna Renaissance and Sacred Tattoos of Thailand.
Pipe Dreams
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One of the world’s foremost authorities on opium history made a harrowing descent from collecting paraphernalia into becoming a full-fledged slave to the drug.
Show Me the Robes
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When Jean-Claude Lubtchansky wanted to make a documentary on Buddhism, Thailand seemed like a logical shoot choice. But would the spiritual stars align for the famed auteur?
Ezay does it
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Paro is often overshadowed by Thimphu, but Bhutan’s second-largest town has spice that reaches beyond the ubiquitous local chili paste.
Roots and Branches
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The city of Ubon Ratchathani in northeast Thailand is flaunting an increasingly hip array of cultural and culinary initiatives thanks to the efforts of entrepreneurial returnees.
Bangkok Blue
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The risqué reputation of Thailand’s capital precedes it. And made it the perfect muse for Emmanuelle, one of the world’s most legendary erotic movies. Joe Cummings unfolds the seductive story and Bangkok’s starring role in it.
Kailash: Over the Hills Where the Spirits Fly
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On a pilgrimage in western Tibet, Joe Cummings visits Everest’s North Face Base Camp, along with Mount Kailash, Asia’s most sacred peak.
On the Right Track
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The Eastern & Oriental Express is the most lavish and well-appointed train anywhere in Southeast Asia, traveling between Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand.