Roger Jones is a writer and editor specializing in careers, living and working abroad, and music. A graduate in modern languages from King's College, London University, he has worked abroad in Europe, the Middle East and Southeast Asia, and in refugee welfare and education in the UK. He has written over fifteen handbooks including Culture Smart! Western Europe and Culture Smart! Libya, and two novels. He also writes and edits music reviews for an international classical music Web site, is a longstanding member of the Society of Authors, and plays an active role in civic amenity groups. He lives in Gloucestershire, UK.

For many outsiders Thailand still conjures up images of the East at its most mysterious and enchanting, a view largely formed by Hollywood films like The King and I. Never conquered by foreigners, this proud and ancient land has been shaped by Buddhism, the monarchy, and the military.