The King Of Bangkok is a graphic novel that tells the story of Thai politics over a generation from 1982 to 2012 from the angle of a trio of northeastern villagers drawn to Bangkok. The book aims to subvert more conventional accounts by using fiction rather than "history", by leading with pictures rather than words, and by focusing on ordinary people rather than generals, tycoons and politicians.
In 1982, Nok (Bird) arrives in Bangkok from Udon, one of many teenagers who made this journey in the late 20th century. He soon hooks up with Hong (Swan), a fellow northeasterner but more flamboyant, who becomes his leader through their new lives. Nok works in scrappy jobs, gets cheated, spends time as a beggar, and learns to cope with city folks' prejudice about northeastern migrants. From 1985 the economy lifts on the export boom. Nok and Hong start to make more money and glimpse a better future. They start to enjoy the city, including bars and girls. Nok buys a motorbike, but crashes on travelling back to Udon.
