Thailand (Lonely Planet, 13th Edition) - China Williams [671]
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THANKS
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China Williams
Thanks immeasurably to Nong, so glad to have met you. Gratitude to Pong, Pim, Andrew, Alex, Panupan, Pichai, Duen, Sara, Aidan, Olly, Tom and Ken. Also to Joon, Jane and the staff at Buri Gallery for being so sweet to Felix. Thanks in Bangkok to Kaneungnit, Tom, Anne, Ruengsang, Mason, Jane and the staff at Seven. More thanks to my husband, Matt, who drove the little car that could and to Felix, my trustworthy if temperamental sidekick. And to Tashi Wheeler, the LP production team and lucky 13’s dedicated co-authors.
Mark Beales
Many thanks go to the Lonely Planet team, especially Tashi, China and Brandon, for their fantastic support and guidance. In Ayuthaya, I’m grateful to Ajarn Monthorn of Classic Tours for his expert knowledge and for Duncan Stearn’s help with history. In Kanchanaburi my appreciation goes to Khun Chalee, Mickey, Airin and Noi of Good Times. And in Lopburi, I’d be very thankful if the monkey who stole my car’s wing mirror would return it at some point. Most of all, thanks to my amazing wife, Bui, for her fact-checking and constant support.
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THE LONELY PLANET STORY
Fresh from an epic journey across Europe, Asia and Australia in 1972, Tony and Maureen Wheeler sat at their kitchen table stapling together notes. The first Lonely Planet guidebook, Across Asia on the Cheap, was born.
Travellers snapped up the guides. Inspired by their success, the Wheelers began publishing books to Southeast Asia, India and beyond. Demand was prodigious, and the Wheelers expanded the business rapidly to keep up. Over the years, Lonely Planet extended its coverage to every country and into the virtual world via lonelyplanet.com and the Thorn Tree message board.
As Lonely Planet became a globally loved brand, Tony and Maureen received several offers for the company. But it wasn’t until 2007 that they found a partner whom they trusted to remain true to the company’s principles of travelling widely, treading lightly and giving sustainably. In October of that year, BBC Worldwide acquired a 75% share in the company, pledging to uphold Lonely Planet’s commitment to independent travel, trustworthy advice and editorial independence.
Today, Lonely Planet has offices in Melbourne, London and Oakland, with over 500 staff members and 300 authors. Tony and Maureen are still actively involved with Lonely Planet. They’re travelling more often than ever, and they’re devoting their spare time to charitable projects. And the company is still driven by the philosophy of Across Asia on the Cheap: ‘All you’ve got to do is decide to go and the hardest part is over. So go!’
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Tim Bewer
A hearty kòrp jai li li dêu to the people of Isan who rarely failed to live up to their reputation for friendliness and hospitality when faced with my incessant questions. In particular, Kritsada Kaewkheiw, Amaralak (Pim) Khamhong, Tommy Manophaiboon, June Niampan, Veena Puntace, Suphanuch Rathising, Nuan Sarnsorn, Supawadee Srifa, Naiyarat Techasetthawit, Julian Wright and Jinda Yatan all provided good help and good company. And a special thanks to Worapanyaporn Taranop for all the little things.
Catherine Bodry
First, huge thanks to Carolyn Boicos for commissioning me for this project, and to Tashi Wheeler for competently taking the reigns midstream. A big thanks to China Williams for always promptly responding with level-headed advice, and for teaching me some very helpful Thai phrases. Thanks to all my co-authors for insight and information, particularly Brandon Presser and Mark Beales. Brett Atkinson left me with great text to work with. In Thailand, I received help from more people than I could ever thank, but I have to give a special shout-out to Tim and Pat in Hua Hin, Are and Suda in Chumphon, Morn in Trat, Kor and her fam in Bang Saphan and the TAT staff