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A leading student of CambodiaΓÇÖs history considers a range of themes and problems including the leper-king myth at Angkor, post-Angkorean normative poems, nineteenth century perceptions of the moral order, and royally sponsored human sacrifices in rural Cambodia in the 1870s. Other essays deal with aspects of the colonial period and the revolutionary era (1975-1979). This collection closes with two essays, written 16 years apart, that deal with what the author calls ΓÇ£the tragedy of Cambodian history.ΓÇ¥

This is a serious yet entertaining introduction to the public discourse going on in Thai society and the emergence of a particular culture of modernity. Rich in details and comments, this book examines how modern Thais know and debate about their society. In doing so, it signals trends in the evolution of urban Thai public opinion. To assess these, the study opens the treasury of the social studies curriculum, from elementary up to university; the press, and contemporary fiction. These, and purely economic and political interests, shape the diverse positions that engage each other in the current public discourse. Together, they mould the middle-class culture of modernity in Thailand while providing salient insights into the day-to-day practice of Thai politics.