This month we bring you prose and poetry from Thailand, a country mourning its beloved king while grappling with accelerated development. From the teeming chaos of Bangkok to the deceptive serenity of the provinces, from temples to traffic jams, the writing here delivers a nuanced portrait of Thai culture and society. Win Lyovarin’s exasperated working man offers a mordant vocabulary lesson for urbanites. Poet Phu Kradat gives voice to the people of rural Isan. Chart Korbjitti’s monks in training haven’t a prayer, and Uthis Haemamool’s amnesiac temple worker recognizes the false side of true belief. At the poles of responsible parenting, Sri Daoruang’s heartsick mother treasures her sickly son, while Duanwad Pimwana’s battling couple abandon their boy to the neighborhood. Prabda Yoon’s sage passes judgment from a park bench. Guest editor Mui Poopoksakul talks with the revered editor and “encyclopedia of Thai literature” Suchart Sawasdsri and provides an illuminating introduction.