Thainess through Exotic Accent : A Discursive Study of Representation of Thailand in Lonely Planet

Abstract

This article aims to study the construction of "Thainess” in the Lonely Planet Giude (2009) through a discursive approach and Edward Said's conception of Orientalism. It is found that the content structure focuses on a socio-cultural overview of Thailand and details of tourist attractous. Otheraspects of "Thainess” are constructed through the myths of quality travellers, amazement of "Thainess", political instability, inadequate freedom of expression, social problems and othered Thai habits. The findings prove that the author, as a Westerner, still understands "Thainess" through an imperialist lens. The discourse is parallel with other travel writings by Western travellers since the 19th century.