It’s difficult to imagine how the broad and nuanced canvas that Burdett paints in his books could be conveyed on the big screen.

Millennium Films, Burdett said, is “serious” about making “Bangkok 8.” “My guess is that they will go for atmospherics,” Burdett said. Millennium recently produced the upcoming Rambo sequel, also shot in Thailand.

“We are definitely making the film,” said John Thompson, the co-producer from Millennium who is currently scouting for locations in Bangkok. James McTeigue, who directed “V for Vendetta,” the 2005 sci-fi thriller starring Natalie Portman, has been hired as the director, Thompson said, and production will begin in 2008.

Burdett has also completed a draft of the final installment in the Bangkok series. The book will touch on Myanmar (purely coincidental despite current events, he says) and features Sonchai going up to the Golden Triangle to investigate a Thai general who allegedly runs a methamphetamine factory there.

Once the Bangkok series is over, Burdett says he wants to diversify away from police thrillers. But he’s quite content staying in Thailand.

But he also worries that his Bangkok series could eventually rankle the wrong people in Thailand: the image of corrupt Thai cops investing in go-go bars may not dovetail with the “Amazing Thailand” advertising campaigns.

“My fear, because I like living here,” he said, “is that they’ll take exception to the books and kick me out.”

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