Limit search to available items
Book Cover
E-book
Author Reynolds, Craig J., author.

Title Power, protection and magic in Thailand : the cosmos of a southern policeman / Craig J. Reynolds
Published Acton, Australia : Australian National University Press, [2019]

Copies

Description 1 online resource (xxii, 191 pages, 11 pages of plates) : illustrations, maps
Series Asian studies series monograph ; 12
Asian studies series monograph ; 12.
Contents 1. Introduction; 2. Lion Lawman; 3. The mid south's fathomable past; 4. Policing and banditry; 5. Magical thinking to dispel fear and uncertainty; 6. Invulnerability and protecting the sovereign body
Summary This biographical study of an unusual southern policeman explores the relationship between religion and power in Thailand during the early twentieth century when parts of the country were remote and banditry was rife. Khun Phan (1898-2006), known as Lion Lawman, sometimes used rather too much lethal force in carrying out his orders. He was the most famous graduate of a monastic academy in the mid-south, whose senior teachers imparted occult knowledge favoured by fighters on both sides of the law. Khun Phan imbibed this knowledge to confront the risks and uncertainty that lay ahead and bolster his confidence and self-reliance for his struggle with adversaries. Against the background of national events, the story is rooted in the mid-south where the policeman was born and died. Based on a wide range of works in Thai language, on field trips to the region and on interviews with local and regional scholars as well as the policeman's descendants, this generously illustrated book, accompanied by short video clips, brings to life the distinctive environment of the lakes district on the Malay Peninsula. --back cover
Bibliography Includes bibliographical references (pages 165-191)
Notes Online resource; title from digital title page (viewed on June 01, 2020)
Subject Phantharakrātchadēt (But), Khun.
SUBJECT Phantharakrātchadēt (But), Khun fast
Subject Police -- Thailand -- Biography
Police
Thailand
Genre/Form Biographies
Biographies.
Biographies.
Form Electronic book
ISBN 9781760463175
1760463175