Former correspondent for China Radio International (CRI) and columnist for Matichon Weekly magazine, Panlop Samsi has returned to Bangkok after spending half-a-decade in Beijing.
He's now an editor with Matichon Books and in charge of M-Young, a section which is aimed at spreading knowledge, mainly history and culture, to young readers. Panlop is expected to breath life into this new arm through his fun-loving personality. Panlop chats with Life about his reading list.
— Anchalee Kongrut
Which book is on your bedside table?
I am glued to I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up For Education And Was Shot By The Taliban , an autobiography by Malala Yousafzai. A survivor of Taliban bullets, Malala retold the story of her hometown, change, violence imposed by fanaticism in the disguise of religion. Despite its autobiographical feel, the writer constantly addresses a larger and more important issue, which is an education for young Pakistani girls. Line after line is peppered with quotes and anecdotes that will encourage you to fight for better things in life and dream big.
What book has inspired your career?
Ruang San Nok Mueng Rair ( Short Stories: Beyond Mines ) by Arjin Panjapan. Arjin’s prose is simple, powerful and yet manages to instruct your heart. Stories and characters serve as vessels full of philosophies and life lessons that are applicable to anyone... blue-collar workers, wealthy men or the elite. Pensive, lyrical, the book is highly readable... entertaining if you will, and it gave me an idea of what literature should feel like. I am a firm believer that literature must not only be well-written but also entertain. Fine literature does not have to be highbrow or complex.
As an editor, is there any book you would like to recommend?
Saiduen Tar Bord Nai Khao Wongkote ( A Blind Worm In The Labyrinth ) by Weeraphorn Nitiphrabha. This book is meant to give pleasure. The writer creates the plot of a bizarre love triangle to illustrate how precarious life can be. Weeraphorn is a real master of language, a true wordsmith, a quality rare among her peers.
Your all-time favourite book?
Pi Kab Nong ( Brothers ) by Yu Hua, a dentist turned writer. The book depicts family history, the life of two brothers against the backdrop of the People’s Republic of China transforming from Maoism’s cultural revolution to capitalism and globalisation. Fluctuating curves of destiny and colourful characters will pull you through to the end. Before you realise it, you are reading the penultimate paragraph.
E-books or dead trees?
I usually read messages, mails and texts on mobile and electronic readers. I do not deny this technology. However, I will turn to e-books only when I need quick information and short researching. But for a long read, a book is and always will be my choice.
