Forest Recollections: Wandering Monks in Twentieth-century Thailand

The book is organized around the historical and experiential world of Thai wandering monks. It begins with the formation of modern state Buddhism and regional Buddhist traditions in Siam/Thailand, then follows the path of monks into forest life through family background, education, teachers, fear, illness, desire, hardship, healing practices, relations with Sangha officials, and interactions with villagers. Later chapters address the invasion and closure of forest spaces, the transformation of monastic communities, and the tensions between local traditions and centralized religious authority.