I am not quite sure if universities such as Thammasat, Kasetsart, Chulalongkorn or Ramkamhang can truly separate a pure political science and philosophy from public administration. I think one factor is because, in the old day, most Thai who studied political science degree aimed for public service work, thus the university had to include public administration and governance in the curriculum.
When I was in Thailand, I used to enrol in a pol. science degree with Sukhothai Thammatirat Open University and I found that the course is concentrated in political philosophy, even though the discussions on philosophy in the curriculum were very superficial.
Would you be interested in participating in the conference? I remember you mention you can’t afford it. If you can VDO record yourself and send your presentation to me, I will be more than happy to share you presentation at the conference.
I hope my invitation will be well accepted. The website for the conference is
how is your conference going to deal with this issue of a well known Thammasat professor being not only charged with article 112, but having briefly experienced intimidation and harassment?
If somebody propose this topic and would like to discuss it, we will listen to them. I believe one of the conference track on political-economy can serve as a forum for this kind of topic.
“And concluding – i am amazed how little interest this Red/Yellow conflict finds under the wider academic community – 5 years of deep and bitter conflict, and hardly any worthwhile paper on it published. Why is that so?
My answer to you:
I am not a political scientist so I don’t know why academics in this area, in particular those from ANU and this centre who claim to be a group of researchers in South East Asia, fail to deliver quality research. There are more opinions than empirical when it comes to papers in this area.
Having said that, this concern is well received by some academics in my area (international trade and business). If you can access key journals such as Journal of World Business, you may be able to find research-based paper investigating this issue.
Your point:
I believe that you may be getting into a slightly uncomfortable position with these questions, but i am quite certain that during the actual conference you may have to deal with many questions along those lines.
My response:
I think it s invalid (and perhaps intrusive) to think on my behalf and assume that I will be in an uncomfy position to address political issues. As I challenge those who oppose against this academic forum, do not just assume but please submit your paper and participate in this important activity. Two major Australian universities are currently working on this issue to make it a reality and for the fruitful conversations regarding Thai Studies.
We may not be a well-established centre like yours, but we are trying to organise a high quality forum.
Hope this conversation sheds light on your thinking about Thai Studies.
The bell of freedom rings louder and louder, from a small room, the sound of freedom travels next door and go further and further, getting louder and louder. “FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS, IT TOLLS FOR THEE.”
Lese (v.injure, hurt, damage) not just the “institution” but the amaat’s dwindling pride? No one is safe right now as the amaat have their backs to the wall surrounded by the masses but still fighting hard below the belt…Now Jatuporn and Nisit are on the way to the jailhouse on national security grounds ([read:] to make secure the interests of the ruling national elites)
So some here don’t want to, or can’t answer, but does anyone else know quite what Thaksin’s promise of ending the drug problem within a year of returning entails?
As far as I know he never apologised for the loss of life last time, so does it mean more bodies?
How is it possible to have any meaningful discussion about politics and the political situation in Thailand without bringing up the role of the Thai King, his wife the Queen, his son and at least two of his daughters, not to mention the Head of the Privy Council, retired General Prem, all of whom, far from being “above politics”, are actually, along with their coteries of advisers, involved in Thailand’s politics 24/7, 365 days a year.
Excellent article!
One addition – Prajin Tanangkorn, the elder brother of Suchart Nakbangsai, also has a lese majeste case against him, coming from a post made on the Prachatai webboard not long after the 2006 coup. The case is still under police investigation.
I’ve actually noticed many more PT campaign posters than any other parties in Bangkok, most notably in red-shirt strongholds (some with 4-5 giant posters in one soi).
There was some talk about the legality of Thaksin’s involvement in PT campaign but the ECT is busy preping everyone for election. Thaksin will continue to phone-in as much as he can.
The two open letters from Somsak were in Thai. I hope someone else send you the link . As a context, it was a response to the interview given by HRH Princess Chulabhorn on a very popular talk show “Woody Born to Talk” on Channel 9 aired on 3 April and 10 April (in two parts). You could look them up on Youtube.
The highlight for me was when Woody was sharing a cup cake with Khun Lookmee. You could find out more about Khun Lookmee in youtube.
Is there a course in Thailand that would be the equivalent of our political science degree? In other words, one that is purely focused on analysing politics as opposed to public administration. For example, my first undergraduate degree (oh so many years ago!) was in political science. None of us in my year aspired to a career in public administration. Many became human rights lawyers or activists, entered politics, or became journalists (as I did).
Off the top of my head, I can think of four Thai undergraduates whom I know are currently studying a degree that sounds very much like the course you describe. As you said, they study a mix of various elements. All of them, however, call their courses “political science” in English, although this may be a translation issue? As far as I know, all of them aspire to a career in the public service, as opposed to a career in political commentary.
Hopefully, you’ll note that my question here has nothing to do with my personal views expressed in another NM post concerning your confrence in Melbourne. I am quite capable of separating issues.
It was true in the 1950s-1960s. Nowadays, TU’s Political Science Faculty offers three fields of study: Politics and Government, International Affairs, and Public Administration.
“Tom Hoy: Great line – some politicians are “more banned than others”!”
Thanks BKK Lawyer, but I didn’t invent it, of course, as you probably knew. It was the great George Orwell who still has a lot to say about everything everywhere but particularly things in Thailand: “All animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others”
Sorry, but I didn’t realise this thread was actually a Q&A with me. However, if you want to conduct a formal interview with me you can email a request to [email protected] and I will see if I have time to fit you into my very busy schedule.
It’s Martino
AI have spent more time complaining about Osama Bin Laden’s assassination than the massacre of Thai civilians.
also, post #44 has a question which i cut and paste here:
“And concluding – i am amazed how little interest this Red/Yellow conflict finds under the wider academic community – 5 years of deep and bitter conflict, and hardly any worthwhile paper on it published. Why is that so?”
I would not accuse you of using the farang vs thai argument. And as you have seen already – i do not agree with a boycott or similar.
But i do notice that you are getting quite evasive with your answers when the discussion turns to politics. Am i wrong there?
I understand that the political issues here are more than complicated, and uncomfortable, and in state critical academic circles there is an increasing atmosphere of fear.
That is another question i have for you:
Given the lese majeste charges laid against Ajarn Somsak, who has also been a very regular contributor here, who has been very outspoken and critical (but who in real life seems to me a very shy and friendly person) on any intellectual faults from whatever side, be they red or yellow – how is your conference going to deal with this issue of a well known Thammasat professor being not only charged with article 112, but having briefly experienced intimidation and harassment?
Are you going to have discussions on these developments in this conference. I do not want to force you to take any side here, but i would like to find out if the topic will be part of the conference, or if it will be excluded.
I understand the importance of the need to discuss a broad range of topics, Thailand of course does not just exist of politics.
But all these developments show a pressing need to pay attention. I believe that you may be getting into a slightly uncomfortable position with these questions, but i am quite certain that during the actual conference you may have to deal with many questions along those lines.
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Thai students, political animals
Dear Stuart,
I am not quite sure if universities such as Thammasat, Kasetsart, Chulalongkorn or Ramkamhang can truly separate a pure political science and philosophy from public administration. I think one factor is because, in the old day, most Thai who studied political science degree aimed for public service work, thus the university had to include public administration and governance in the curriculum.
When I was in Thailand, I used to enrol in a pol. science degree with Sukhothai Thammatirat Open University and I found that the course is concentrated in political philosophy, even though the discussions on philosophy in the curriculum were very superficial.
Thai Studies conference in Melbourne
Dear Nick,
Now I have a question to you.
Would you be interested in participating in the conference? I remember you mention you can’t afford it. If you can VDO record yourself and send your presentation to me, I will be more than happy to share you presentation at the conference.
I hope my invitation will be well accepted. The website for the conference is
http://thaistudiesconference inmelbourne.blogspot.com
We do have academics from various Thai and Australian universities serving as academic member in the editorial board.
Thai Studies conference in Melbourne
Dear Nick Nostitz,
I realise you have another question:
how is your conference going to deal with this issue of a well known Thammasat professor being not only charged with article 112, but having briefly experienced intimidation and harassment?
If somebody propose this topic and would like to discuss it, we will listen to them. I believe one of the conference track on political-economy can serve as a forum for this kind of topic.
Thai Studies conference in Melbourne
Dear Nick Nostitz,
Ok so your question is:
“And concluding – i am amazed how little interest this Red/Yellow conflict finds under the wider academic community – 5 years of deep and bitter conflict, and hardly any worthwhile paper on it published. Why is that so?
My answer to you:
I am not a political scientist so I don’t know why academics in this area, in particular those from ANU and this centre who claim to be a group of researchers in South East Asia, fail to deliver quality research. There are more opinions than empirical when it comes to papers in this area.
Having said that, this concern is well received by some academics in my area (international trade and business). If you can access key journals such as Journal of World Business, you may be able to find research-based paper investigating this issue.
Your point:
I believe that you may be getting into a slightly uncomfortable position with these questions, but i am quite certain that during the actual conference you may have to deal with many questions along those lines.
My response:
I think it s invalid (and perhaps intrusive) to think on my behalf and assume that I will be in an uncomfy position to address political issues. As I challenge those who oppose against this academic forum, do not just assume but please submit your paper and participate in this important activity. Two major Australian universities are currently working on this issue to make it a reality and for the fruitful conversations regarding Thai Studies.
We may not be a well-established centre like yours, but we are trying to organise a high quality forum.
Hope this conversation sheds light on your thinking about Thai Studies.
Support for Somsak at Nang Lerng
The bell of freedom rings louder and louder, from a small room, the sound of freedom travels next door and go further and further, getting louder and louder. “FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS, IT TOLLS FOR THEE.”
Lese embassy!
Lese (v.injure, hurt, damage) not just the “institution” but the amaat’s dwindling pride? No one is safe right now as the amaat have their backs to the wall surrounded by the masses but still fighting hard below the belt…Now Jatuporn and Nisit are on the way to the jailhouse on national security grounds ([read:] to make secure the interests of the ruling national elites)
Amnesty International and Robert Amsterdam
So some here don’t want to, or can’t answer, but does anyone else know quite what Thaksin’s promise of ending the drug problem within a year of returning entails?
As far as I know he never apologised for the loss of life last time, so does it mean more bodies?
Lese embassy!
How is it possible to have any meaningful discussion about politics and the political situation in Thailand without bringing up the role of the Thai King, his wife the Queen, his son and at least two of his daughters, not to mention the Head of the Privy Council, retired General Prem, all of whom, far from being “above politics”, are actually, along with their coteries of advisers, involved in Thailand’s politics 24/7, 365 days a year.
Support for Somsak at Nang Lerng
Excellent article!
One addition – Prajin Tanangkorn, the elder brother of Suchart Nakbangsai, also has a lese majeste case against him, coming from a post made on the Prachatai webboard not long after the 2006 coup. The case is still under police investigation.
Thaksin is back!
I’ve actually noticed many more PT campaign posters than any other parties in Bangkok, most notably in red-shirt strongholds (some with 4-5 giant posters in one soi).
There was some talk about the legality of Thaksin’s involvement in PT campaign but the ECT is busy preping everyone for election. Thaksin will continue to phone-in as much as he can.
Support for Somsak at Nang Lerng
Very interesting to hear a dissenting voice from Santi Asoke.
Thanapol on lese majeste
Dear Richard Lloyd Parry,
The two open letters from Somsak were in Thai. I hope someone else send you the link . As a context, it was a response to the interview given by HRH Princess Chulabhorn on a very popular talk show “Woody Born to Talk” on Channel 9 aired on 3 April and 10 April (in two parts). You could look them up on Youtube.
The highlight for me was when Woody was sharing a cup cake with Khun Lookmee. You could find out more about Khun Lookmee in youtube.
Amnesty International and Robert Amsterdam
Nick Nostitz – 128
Nevertheless – the police is wrong when it states that the RDX charge in the teargas canisters is not able to do serious damage.
Who is the one to declare that there were traces of RDX in the tear gas canister in the first place?
Thai students, political animals
nattavud pimpa
Is there a course in Thailand that would be the equivalent of our political science degree? In other words, one that is purely focused on analysing politics as opposed to public administration. For example, my first undergraduate degree (oh so many years ago!) was in political science. None of us in my year aspired to a career in public administration. Many became human rights lawyers or activists, entered politics, or became journalists (as I did).
Off the top of my head, I can think of four Thai undergraduates whom I know are currently studying a degree that sounds very much like the course you describe. As you said, they study a mix of various elements. All of them, however, call their courses “political science” in English, although this may be a translation issue? As far as I know, all of them aspire to a career in the public service, as opposed to a career in political commentary.
Hopefully, you’ll note that my question here has nothing to do with my personal views expressed in another NM post concerning your confrence in Melbourne. I am quite capable of separating issues.
Thai students, political animals
@Stephen Johnson
It was true in the 1950s-1960s. Nowadays, TU’s Political Science Faculty offers three fields of study: Politics and Government, International Affairs, and Public Administration.
Amnesty International and Robert Amsterdam
“Didn’t the day start with a section of red shirts laying siege to the barracks?”
Didn’t the entire thing start with an illegal military coup in 2006?
Thaksin is back!
“Tom Hoy: Great line – some politicians are “more banned than others”!”
Thanks BKK Lawyer, but I didn’t invent it, of course, as you probably knew. It was the great George Orwell who still has a lot to say about everything everywhere but particularly things in Thailand: “All animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others”
Amnesty International and Robert Amsterdam
Didn’t the day start with a section of red shirts laying siege to the barracks?
A logical and effective preventive measure to delay the army’s advance.
When the troops were finally prepared to come out of their confined encampment, they usually rely on the front door.
Hard to imagine how this blocking and delaying tactics should score a point for Les
Amnesty International and Robert Amsterdam
Les Abbey
Sorry, but I didn’t realise this thread was actually a Q&A with me. However, if you want to conduct a formal interview with me you can email a request to [email protected] and I will see if I have time to fit you into my very busy schedule.
It’s Martino
AI have spent more time complaining about Osama Bin Laden’s assassination than the massacre of Thai civilians.
Says it all really.
Thai Studies conference in Melbourne
“nattavud pimpa”
Please reread post #59
also, post #44 has a question which i cut and paste here:
“And concluding – i am amazed how little interest this Red/Yellow conflict finds under the wider academic community – 5 years of deep and bitter conflict, and hardly any worthwhile paper on it published. Why is that so?”
I would not accuse you of using the farang vs thai argument. And as you have seen already – i do not agree with a boycott or similar.
But i do notice that you are getting quite evasive with your answers when the discussion turns to politics. Am i wrong there?
I understand that the political issues here are more than complicated, and uncomfortable, and in state critical academic circles there is an increasing atmosphere of fear.
That is another question i have for you:
Given the lese majeste charges laid against Ajarn Somsak, who has also been a very regular contributor here, who has been very outspoken and critical (but who in real life seems to me a very shy and friendly person) on any intellectual faults from whatever side, be they red or yellow – how is your conference going to deal with this issue of a well known Thammasat professor being not only charged with article 112, but having briefly experienced intimidation and harassment?
Are you going to have discussions on these developments in this conference. I do not want to force you to take any side here, but i would like to find out if the topic will be part of the conference, or if it will be excluded.
I understand the importance of the need to discuss a broad range of topics, Thailand of course does not just exist of politics.
But all these developments show a pressing need to pay attention. I believe that you may be getting into a slightly uncomfortable position with these questions, but i am quite certain that during the actual conference you may have to deal with many questions along those lines.