A coup d’etat can bring out different reactions from people — relief, distress or even joy. For Thongthong Chandrangsu, former permanent-secretary of Prime Minister’s Office under the ousted Yingluck Shinawatra’s government, the putsch provided him the time to wind down from work. One of the country’s leading law experts, Thongthong is adviser to the Prime Minister’s Office and helps the Council of State’s legal committee vet drafts of bills.
After office hours, he reads and writes, and even manages to find time to speak at forums on Thai culture, something unimaginable during his busy past working with the Pheu Thai government. Thongthong also wrote a semi-biography of his grandfather, a commoner who became a royal page under the reign of King Rama V, for a magazine. He is translating a book on the philosophy of law by the Oxford Press.
Thongthong chats with Life about his reading list and how he prefer Four Reigns as a book, not as theatrical plays, and about travel writing on his Facebook page.
Thongthong Chandrangsu on reading, writing and old habits
— Anchalee Kongrut
Which book is on your bedside now?
Rachan Phu Plad Pan Din Mua Myanmar Sia Muang, a Thai translation of The King In Exile: The Fall Of The Royal Family Of Myanmar by Sudha Shah. Besides being highly readable, the book shows how the ability to not evolve with the times lead to the fall of the Myanmar royal family. Readers will realise that it was the ability to evolve by King Rama V that saved Siam [Thailand at the time] from colonisation. Highly recommended. As a writer of history, can you recommend books that influence your works?
Any books by Prince Damrong, who’s known as the Father of Thai History. For beginners, I recommend Nithan Borankadee, or Tales Of Archaeology, as its content is highly readable and quite simple. For the advanced readers, Sarn Somdej, a book that compiles corresponding letters between Prince Damrong and his brother Prince Narij is a must read. Apart of its valuable knowledge within, the book reflects the form of communication between two brothers, who usually wrote to each other once a week.
Any famous book that has let you down?
I never let myself get in that situation [laughs]. I usually spend two to three minutes browsing a few pages and I know whether the book will suit my reading list or nor. If the book appears all right, I will buy it with no regrets.
What is your all-time favourite book?
I grew up reading a lot of Thai classic literature such as the Ramayana and Rajathirad. My mother was a novelist and she always made sure that I would have books to read. I still read novels, especially works of Vor Vichitchaikul [pen-name of Khunying Winita Dithiyont], especially her Rattanakosin series. But if you talk about my all-time favourite book, it’s Si Phandin [Four Reigns], a history-based novel by MR Kukrit Pramoj. Needless to say that MR Kukrit is known as a master of the narrative story. His prose enable readers to see, feel and believe in events, emotions and stories. But what makes Si Phandin so enticing is that the story goes far beyond political history. And I believe most readers are drawn to this book because MR Kukrit masterfully employed his narrative skill to create plots and lace them into the story of life, life that is so fluid and ever changing.
E-books or dead trees?
I am old-fashioned and am accustomed to holding books in my hands. Yet, I try writing my travelogue on my Facebook page. I type on my iPhone and try to use new forms of modern language.
