A journey into the labyrinth of the Thai past, following spectres and vanished landmarks across present-day Bangkok. Chariot of the Sun relates the story of Siam to that of the author's family, the Bunnags; who came from Persia in the early 17th century and through daring, cunning and good fortune were to hold commanding positions of power during the 19th century. Shane Bunnag follows the narrative thread of an ancient prophecy, a taboo subject that has long haunted Bangkok, in his exploration of the past. Rather than a straightforward historical account, Chariot of the Sun pulls us into a compelling family drama, intertwining a candid and humorous diary with ancient chronicles ripe with violence, mythology, folklore and intrigue. The book becomes an excavation of submerged histories, an investigation into the nature of national identity, and offers a uniquely lyrical approach to storytelling that is both historically nuanced and emotionally stirring. Book jacket.