Why are these people smiling? Writer Jerry Hopkins came to\nThailand for a visit in the 1980s to find out and ended up a\npermanent resident with a temporary visa-a big, white farang\nhaunting the bars and back alleys of Bangkok. His essays explore\nthe mystery and mayhem of \“The Land of Smiles\” to hilarious-and\nsometimes disturbing-effect. Travel with him to a place where water\nbuffaloes are gay, insects are dinner, dildos are lucky charms, and\nyour wildest adolescent fantasies can come true (for a nominal\nfee).

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