In every foreign-language book store in Thailand there is a section devoted to books written by foreigners about their new home. I sometimes pick one up and read through a few pages, only to be greeted with re-hashings of some bloke’s sexual exploits or else anecdotes that would be better in the form of a blog than in a book.

There are a few exceptions of course — Jake Needham and John Burdett have written some excellent stories — but for the most part, the book scene is a bit one-dimensional.

Having said all of that, I’ve been sent a couple of books over the past few months that it’s only fair to mention. I haven’t had time to read either and, in all honesty, I may never have time, but I’ll do my best to tell you what each is about.

The first is called Miss Bangkok, subtitled Memoirs of a Thai Prostitute. The book tells the story of Bua, a Thai prostitute, in her own words — or at least her own words through Nicola Pierce.

This book brings to life prostitution from the point of view of a Thai woman. The reason why I may at some point decide to read Miss Bangkok is because it has the potential to tell a great story if the main “character” is effectively portrayed.

I had a flick through the book and I think this type of story would be most enjoyed by someone who hasn’t spent much time in Thailand. Most of us who have been here for any length of time know what goes on at least some degree.

The second book I have before me is called Farang. I’m not keen on the title or the subtitle, which reads Thailand through the eyes of an ex-pat [sic]. It’s written by a Dr Iain Corness, who was actually born in Northern Thailand before moving to Scotland, then Australia and then back to Thailand.

Dr Corness is, according to the sleeve notes, a correspondent for the Pattaya Mail. The premise of the book is that he can look “in from the outside while also getting to see things most foreigners don’t”.

Looking through the book, it’s a collection of anecdotes written in the first person about his time in Thailand. It’s not a story as such, but rather a collection of musings and tales, the likes of which we (expats) all have and some of us choose to blog about from time to time.

Both of these books are available in B2S and other large book shops. Pick them up if they catch your interest.