I read a scathing review by a Thai that accused Bacigalupi of engaging in Orientalism, which of course he was. And still, not being Thai myself, I enjoyed the novel immensely, thought its greater themes were very interesting, and I think it wasn't dismissive of Thai culture, even if it dealt in stereotypes.

I suppose Gibson is guilty of this as well, only with the Japanese instead of Thai. It doesn't bother me.