Four Reigns

By Kukrit Pramoj

Book Overview

M. R. Kukrit Pramoj's longest and best-known novel is the rich and entertaining story of the life of Phloi and her family, both inside and outside palace walls. The story begins during the reign of King Chulalongkorn (King Rama V) in the closing years of the 1800s and ends in the mid-1940s with the death of his grandson, King Ananda Mahidol (King Rama VIII). Over a span of four reigns, we see the lives of minor courtiers under the absolute monarchy and watch the huge social and political changes Thailand experienced as it opened itself up to international contact. We follow the characters against the historical backdrops of the 1932 revolution, the new constitutional monarchy, the growing Japanese presence in Thailand, the outbreak of World War II, and the Allied bombing raids on Bangkok. Through the lives and relationships of Phloi and her husband and children, we experience modern Thai history in an intimate and personal way, garnering new insights into the sensibilities of an era.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 6162152294
• ISBN13: 9786162152290
• Release Date: August 2026
• Publisher: Silkworm Books
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

A Nostalgic Look at Thailand's Past

I can only endorse the comments of other reviewers about this rather wonderful book. As a writer myself, yes, I can find flaws. For example, the characterization is sometimes too uni-dimensional - the protagonist, Phloi (sometimes she is just too good); the stereotyped wicked older sister, Khun Un, who, in true fairytale fashion, redeems herself in the end. But ultimately, I forgive the book these flaws because the writer has the skills to create a world which I want to inhabit. Finishing it was like parting with a very dear friend.

a classic

i am an american who grew up in thailand. this book is a classic way to understand thai history and culture, and i have loved it since adolescence. it is an easy and compelling read, full of great details, and has a very thai sensability.

Good Read

This is a worthwhile read for anyone wanting insight into Thai history or Thai culture the same way as "Little House on the Prairie" should be required reading for anyone studying 19th Century American history. I liked the book, but it is an intense read, and it isn't all that upbeat from a western perspective. There is a lot of sadness associated with the passage of time, and as an epic spanning the reign of four kings of Thailand, there is ample opportunity to see this in this work. I have never attempted to read even parts of the work in its original language, but I was entertained to see the another review saying that the content was much different. While this may well be the case, the book is certainly worth reading.

Great Historical Novel of Siam!

This is an English translation of the "Four Reigns". It is a very good tranlslation and very loyal to the Thai. I think one of the reviewers hasn't thought about the differences in how Thai is written and English is used in literature. English language readers may expect more elaboration than readers in Thai do. I read this book as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Thailand in the early 90's. It was a good way to access and understand better the history of Siam. I personally loved the book!

Spirits of Siam

Kukrit Pramoj made time machine and let us use it travel to old period of Thailand when it called SIAM. I feels Bangkok in his book is totally difference from Bangkok nowaday.I touches the real Bangkok, Spirits of Siam and learn how Thailand become city of angel. Every of my foriegner friend, read this book, falls deeply in love with Thailand and wish to come to Thailand once...Every places he was described in his book is the real places and still enchanting till nowaday. If you like to learn more about Thailand..Background of Thai people..and if you like to getting into the center of Spirits of Siam..take this book and place it close to your pillow..lie down and start to read...when you realise time maybe pass so quickly and it's morning... Kukrit Pramoj passaway many years ago..but His book last forever..