Kukrit Pramoj,his birth and blood,was a nephew to a prince in the Chakri Dynasty.He wrote this book and devoted for his pratonageship to the king Bumipol Adulyadej who Thais love most.He dead in 1995,but this book keeps his legend alive!

Sorry for my inefficiency in Enlish.So I can't tell you on the detail of my impression.I only can tell you that it got not less than 20 times been published in Thai ,3 times in English and once in Chinese.May be publishing in many ohter langauges but I'm not know.

If you are a Thai,It a must to read;or you are a human,it a must to know'

Kukrit Pramoj, a true Renaissance-type human being ( former Prime Minister of Thailand, classic dancer, actor and author) describes in his unique and marvellous style the ways of life of minor courtiers around the turn of the century. Following the fate of Mae Phloi and her husband Khun Prem, their three sons and the rest of the family allows the farang not only to learn about the related historical background but also to develope a deeper understanding for the vital changes that took place in Thai society during the reigns of Rama V (Chulalongkorn) to Rama VIII (Ananda Mahidol): from absolute monarchy via constitutional monarchy towards democracy. Four reigns, next to Lai Chiwit (Many Lifes) and Phai Deng (Red Bamboo)is one of the most important works of Thai classic literature and therefore a must for all who dare to get involved.

Kukrit Pramoj -- classical Thai dancer, newspaper columnist and publisher, star of a Hollywood movie (The Ugly American), twice Prime Minister of Thailand, novelist -- wrote this account of the life of an aristocratic Thai woman as a serial novel in newspapers.

Ploy, the unassuming heroine, is born to the "minor wife" of a wealthy Bangkok official in the late 19th century and given a place as an attendant in the Palace. Pramoj uses her life and the various careers of her children in politics, the military and business to examine the changes in Thai society through the reigns of Kings Rama V, VI, VII, and VIII (the title, Si Phaendin, means "four reigns), including the turn-of-the-century reforms, the role of foreigners in the early decades of the century, the political revolution of the 1930s and the Second World War.

The plot may be a little episodic, but the atmosphere of traditional upper-class Thai life is beautifully described and the characters, especially that of Ploy herself, attractive and convincing. Well worth the read if you can find it -- & the perfect book for the long flight to Bangkok.

Kukrit Pramoj made time machine and let us use it travel to old period of Thailand when it called SIAM. I feels Bangkok in his book is totally difference from Bangkok nowaday.I touches the real Bangkok, Spirits of Siam and learn how Thailand become city of angel. Every of my foriegner friend, read this book, falls deeply in love with Thailand and wish to come to Thailand once...Every places he was described in his book is the real places and still enchanting till nowaday. If you like to learn more about Thailand..Background of Thai people..and if you like to getting into the center of Spirits of Siam..take this book and place it close to your pillow..lie down and start to read...when you realise time maybe pass so quickly and it's morning... Kukrit Pramoj passaway many years ago..but His book last forever..

M.R. Kukrit Pramoj is a renouned, Thai author famous for several pieces he wrote during his lifetime. The stories in this book gives the reader a feel for Thai culture and values, especially as they relate to Buddhism. It was a very well crafted (and translated) story worth reading, especially if you are interested in learning more about the essence of Thai culture.