Matthew is a lecturer in Modern Asian History at Aberystwyth University. Recent publications have focused on how traditional forms of ritual and ceremony were exploited by Thai leaders during the period to secure a Thai position within the Thai-US relationship. His book, Thailand in the Cold War, looked at the role that Thai and American consumers played in securing the alliance. Matthew received his PhD from the School of Oriental and African Studies in 2013, and previously worked at the BBC World Service in both London and Bangkok.