Sunisa Manning shares her inside knowledge of her Thai roots’ social, economic and caste system. Foreigners may find difficulty in surviving in a modern caste system.
Manning has revealed her adaptations to history in the process of writing this book. It is also her testament to her labours in trying to adhere to facts.
I guess Manning chose that title to bring more attention to what constitutes a “Good True Thai”. The three main characters are Det, Chang and Lek. The latter two are activists who participate in marches, and the like. It is controversial on what makes a good true Thai. Is the person one who is loyal to the traditionalist? Or someone who is loyal to the interests of local, native Thais?
The story starts with drama. Det’s mom is being cremated. He finds it difficult to accept that she’s dead. He expects her to return to life. This is a common reaction to grief. There are five stages in bereavement and the stages can come in any order for any person. The stages are:
denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.
Det is in denial.
Det’s mom belonged to a social caste that is higher than his dad’s caste. Yet her caste can not save her from illness and disease. The author writes that she ignored her symptoms until it was too late. Her illness had spread and became terminal.
Chang and Lek have known each other way before Det met Lek. But the former two are hiding this fact from Det, to avoid hurting his feelings. Lek thinks they can convert Det to become an activist, like them.
A Good True Thai book. I may earn a small commission if you buy from this link.