Bangkok arrests the visitor with a bewildering juxtaposition of old and new, high-tech and impromptu, sacred and profane. While modernizing apace and a myriad outside influences, the Thai capital draws equal vigor from its historical communities, cultural diversity and contemporary urban tribes. Author of Very Thai and Time Out Bangkok, Philip Cornwel-Smith takes an alternative look at the subcultures of his adopted town in this practical thematic handbook.

Described by the editor as a "kaleidoscope", Bangkok offers a chaotic mix of contrasting environments, architectural fabric, ethnic patchwork and intertwined beliefs. To create the cover design surrounding this concept, our cover cooks sourced a myriad of images that represented all the aspects covered in the book, from Thai pop culture and high-tech gadgets to traditional and religious symbols. The harsh shapes on the cover stimulate the senses — as does Bangkok. Depending on the perspective of the reader, the cover design could be a kaleidoscope but also a fantastic durian, a stylized garland or even a handcrafted multi-colored quilt.