Foreign Poet Writes Love Letter to Thailand
In a world full of cultural differences, it’s pretty amazing when a foreigner falls so hard for Thailand that they write a “love letter” in the form of poetry. But the new book “Poems from Sakon Nakhon” by Ajarn David — an American who’s called Thailand home for over 20 years — is just that. Through his eyes, this Thai poetry isn’t just about a small town in Isaan; it’s a heartfelt tribute to everything Thai, written by a poet who sees beauty where we might not even look.
From the West to Isaan: The Start of a Thai Love Letter
Ajarn David isn’t your average teacher at Sakon Nakhon Rajabhat University. He’s a published poet from Pennsylvania and North Carolina who once lived also in the Czech Republic. He eventually settled down in Sakon Nakhon, and bringing his Western roots to Isaan, he’s created a bilingual poetry book (Thai and English) that’s more than just words; it’s a love letter to Thailand’s landscapes, culture, and soul.
In the preface to the book, he credits Patthanan (Siri) Sirisingamphai for helping fine tune his translations, turning his English verses into something that feels authentically Thai.
Thailand’s Beauty Through Foreign Eyes
What makes this love letter special is how David sees Thailand with awe and respect. In Poem #23 (“Thailand is known as the Land of Smiles”), he writes that it’s not just about the “13 smiles” people talk about — it’s countless smiles reflecting love, loss, and little victories of the Thai spirit.
“Every smile records both love and weathered pain,” he says, showing he gets the depth behind our happiness. Or take #85, where he describes butterfly pea tea with honey and lime as making him feel like a “king” despite being ordinary. It’s the simple Thai stuff that fills him with joy.
The Voice of Nature and Thai Soul
This book’s also a love letter to Thailand’s nature and beliefs. Poem #10 paints the ancient Khmer ruins on Phu Phek as a place where wandering monks and ancestral spirits wait for brave listeners, while #66 captures frogs croaking for mates by a pond after heavy rain. These aren’t just scenes — they’re part of Thailand’s heartbeat. In #89 (“What is the Thai way?”), he calls “sanook” (fun) more than amusement — it’s a Buddhist way of laughing at your own ego. He sees the Thai soul in a way that’s deeper than most foreigners ever do.
A Warm and Honest Love Letter to Thailand
Unlike some foreigners who see Thailand as a tourist spot, Aj. David’s “Poems from Sakon Nakhon” comes from real experience. It’s not just about beauty — it’s about humanity, love, loss, and hope in everyday Thai life. In #74, he promises to stand by readers “no matter what happens, even if death takes this life” — a vow that feels raw and true.
The English is straightforward but powerful, and the Thai is poetic yet real, like “ok hak” (heartbreak, #24) compared to a tree felled by one axe blow. It’s a mix that proves he’s not just a “farang” passing through — he’s someone who loves and gets Thailand.
Closing: A Love Letter from Heart to Heart
“Poems from Sakon Nakhon” isn’t just a book — it’s a love letter from a foreign poet to Thailand, written with devotion and respect. It invites us to look at our own country — its fields, rains, and smiles — with fresh eyes and gratitude. For Thais, it’s a reminder of how enchanting our home is to others. For foreigners, it’s an invitation to know Thailand beyond beaches and temples. Pick it up, and you’ll feel the love pouring out from every page.
Where to Buy
“Poems from Sakon Nakhon” (Thai Poetry in English) is available now on Amazon, Lazada, and Shopee. Visit the book’s publisher Ysaan Books for more info and to get your own copy.
