AUTHOR & PHOTOGRAPHER

Philip Cornwel-Smith is a freelance writer, photographer and cultural pundit focusing on Thailand and Southeast Asia, whose work has been published and exhibited internationally. Born in England, he has lived in Bangkok since 1994, when he became founding editor of its first city magazine, Metro, and later of Time Out Bangkok city guide.

He is best known for the influential bestseller, Very Thai: Everyday Popular Culture. It’s an key source book that defined the cultural category of informal Thai street life that gets labelled #verythai. An iconic object, Very Thai has been curated by other artists in gallery exhibits, video art and stage performances. Very Thai has its own life.

Philip often speaks in podcasts, festivals, panel talks and documentaries. He co-curated the exhibition Invisible Things for the Goethe Institut and the Bangkok pavilion in Italy’s ‘Countless Cities’ biennale.

EDITORS

Consultant Editor Marc Pachter is Director Emeritus of the Smithsonian Institution. He was director of its National Museum of American History and National Portrait Gallery, where he founded the Living Portraits series.

Editor Alex Kerr is an expert on Asian culture, especially Japan. He founded Chiiori Trust and wrote Lost Japan and Another Kyoto, as well as Bangkok Found.

Publisher & DESIGNERS

Based in London and Bangkok, River Books publishes books on mainland Southeast Asian art, history and culture, both heritage and contemporary. Primarily in English, their list also includes fiction, Thai literature in translation and Thai-language titles. 

Contact publisher Narisa Chakrabongse at narisachakra@gmail.com.

Book cover design by Xavi Comas of Cover Kitchen Co Ltd

Book layout design by 1000 Ponies Co Ltd

Website design by Philip Cornwel-Smith