Acknowledgments

It is difficult to say when this book actually began, but my gratitude extends back over many years and across many oceans to Thailand and to the first people who introduced me to and enhanced my awareness of that colorful and fascinating country: to Prince Piya Rangsit and his late wife, for my introduction to Thai culture and customs; to Prince Prem Purachatr, my Thai sponsor and culinary guide, with an infectious enthusiasm for good food, with whom I first explored the finest restaurants in Bangkok. My thanks go also to Princess Chumbhot of Nagara Svarga, for assisting my research and for producing for me the most perfect examples of Thai carved ginger. To my mother, my loving thanks. While continuing to live in Thailand after I had left, she spent innumerable hours locating research materials and battling the international postal system to send them to me with the utmost speed.