**Travel Books:**
1. **”Lonely Planet Thailand” by Lonely Planet** – A comprehensive guidebook that covers everything from travel tips and accommodation recommendations to cultural insights.
2. **”Thailand: The Ultimate Travel Guide” by Travel Guide Travel Guide** – A detailed guide with practical information, beautiful photos, and cultural highlights.
3. **”Thailand – Culture Smart!: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture” by Roger Jones** – A cultural guide that delves into Thai customs and traditions, helping travelers understand and appreciate local etiquette.
4. **”A Geek in Thailand: Discovering the Land of Golden Buddhas, Pad Thai and Kickboxing” by Jody Houton** – This book explores the quirky and intriguing aspects of Thailand’s culture and society.
**Novels:**
5. **”The Beach” by Alex Garland** – While also listed in the previous response, it’s worth mentioning here as a gripping novel about a backpacker’s journey in Thailand.
6. **”Anna and the King of Siam” by Margaret Landon** – Based on the true story of Anna Leonowens, the novel portrays her experiences as a teacher to the children of King Mongkut of Siam. The inspiration behind the famous “The King and I” musical.
7. **”The Bridge Over the River Kwai” by Pierre Boulle** – A historical novel set during World War II, it tells the story of the construction of the Death Railway in Thailand. The book inspired the well-known film of the same name.
8. **”Four Reigns” by Kukrit Pramoj** – A classic Thai novel that provides a historical and cultural perspective on Thailand’s monarchy and society during the 20th century.
These books offer a mix of travel insights and fictional stories set in Thailand, allowing you to explore the country from various angles, from culture and history to contemporary experiences. They are non-controversial and are widely enjoyed by travelers and readers interested in Thailand.