The T.I.D. is now the T.I.C.D.

Whatever you call it, this book-in-progress promises to be the most complete guide to Thailand's islands and coastal areas ever written in English.

Thank you for reading Thai Island Quest, an independent e-newsletter covering the beauty, challenges and distinctive identities of Thailand’s islands and coastal areas. Yes, all of them.

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From day one when I started this newsletter, I intended to cover not only the islands but also the extensive mainland coastal shores of Thailand. Only in experiencing the interplay between the islands and coastlines can a traveler begin to soak in the big picture of coastal Thailand in all its beauty and variation.

So when I set out at the end of last year to write a comprehensive book covering every Thai island that I’m aware of, there was no question that it would include a slew of mainland coastal areas, which are often easy and enjoyable to visit along with the islands. Having traveled and photographically catalogued these coasts extensively beginning in 2007, I’ve taken a shine to many of the Thai mainland shores and their accompanying provincial capitals, pier towns and jungle areas, from Chanthaburi to Trang and all sorts of intriguing places in between.

How could I write a book without including mainland coastal areas like Hat Khlong Mueang in Krabi? It is partly the subject of the next T.I.C.D. chapter covering the Central Andaman, set for release starting next month.

If you’ve been following the gradual book release so far, you’ll know that it covers not only Thailand’s many island groups but also the provincial shorelines in sections that, in addition, include all islands found immediately off the mainland shores, as well as ‘estuary islands’ found in or near river mouths. In fact, I reckon that at least 1/3 of the entire finished book will be in these coastal-leaning sections, joining the many island-focused sections to account for pretty much everyplace that is remotely notable in or on Thailand’s portions of the Gulf of Thailand and Andaman Sea.

So, some 3,000 km of coastline and 800+ islands. In one book.

To give the mainland shores their rightful due, I’m updating the working title of the book to Thai Island & Coastal Directory. Rather than simply the T.I.D., this comprehensive T.I.C.D. covers virtually all of coastal Thailand in a way that, I hope, will enrich the travels of everyone. If you’re a free subscriber and you would like to access the book as it’s being released, welcome aboard:

To see all previously published sections of the T.I.C.D. and loads of other in-depth coverage of Thai islands and coastal areas, try the welcome page. 🌴