Principles  and  Rationale

     For  many years, the world’s communities  have been  giving  a great deal  of  significance  to  Thai  Studies, since  they  are  well  aware  of  the fact  that  a thorough  study  of  other  countries  in  various  aspects--social, cultural, political, governmental, and economic--leads  to  genuine  understanding , acceptance, and  friendly  relations  among  the nations.

     The major activity of Thai  and  foreign  scholars  from  America, Europe, Australia, and Asia  interested in Thai  Studies  is the organizing  of conferences in which participants  have an opportunity  to  present papers  and  exchange   ideas  and experiences. So far seven conferences have been organized, the latest one in 1998 in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. The next conference will be held in Thailand at Nakhon Phanom on 9-12 January 2002, hosted by Ramkhamhaeng University and Rajabhat Institute Nakhon  Phanom.

There are many reasons that support the role of Ramkhamhaeng University as the organizer of the coming conference with regards to venue,

 

 

3. The relationship between Thailand and foreign scholars will be strengthened through cooperative  studies, so  that  Thailand  may  be  regarded  in a  better  light  through  correct  understanding.

4. Thai Studies can be developed and perpetuated by the member countries.

5. Ramkhamhaeng  University and  Rajabhat  Institute Nakhon Phanom will  provide  a network  and  database  for  the research results  on  Thai Studies  in  order to  develop  Thailand  and  enable  foreigners  to  have  a  better  understanding  of  the  country.

Honorary   Academic Committee

1. Dhawaj  Poonotoke 

2. Charnvit  Kasetsiri  

3. Rujaya   Abhakorn    

4. Charles Keyes  

5. Chayan Vaddhanaphuti

6. Amara Prasithrathsint

 

Academic   Committee

1.Pit Sompong

2.Praphon Ruangnarong

3.Vilailekha Thavornthanasarn  

4.Chongchit Soponkanaporn  

5.Sowalak Anantasant   

6. Suwimon Ankhawanit    

7. Prasit Karpklorn             

 8. Ruenruthai Sajjapan

 9. Thanyarat Panakul

 10. Achara Pengpanich

 

Important dates for abstracts and papers

July, 31 2001 deadline for preliminary  abstracts

September, 30 2001 deadline for papers and diskettes.

Procedure

     The papers  can be  presented  either  in  English or  Thai. Please indicate the theme that your abstract fits in  when you  send  us  your  preliminary  abstract. We will send you the letter of acceptance after  the  editors  have  reviewed   your abstracts.  The editors of the 8th International Conference on Thai Studies  require  that the  final  abstracts  and papers be sent  in printed  form  as  well  as on  diskette, preferably  in  Microsoftword.  The abstract  should  contain  between  250 and 500 words in one A 4 page. Please use Times  New  Roman(12 points) font with a line spacing of 1.5.

Conference  Registration Fee :

Before July 31,2001

Overseas participant $175

Local  participant  3,500 baht

Overseas   student     $ 125   

Local  student 2,500 baht     

personnel, and previous experiences, having organized  several international  conferences. Moreover, the University has a regional campus in Nakhon Phanom, the conference venue, a convenient location. In addition, Rajabhat Institute Nakhon Phanom, the co-host, can  provide  efficient  staff  and  good  facilities  for  the  participants.

      The conference will be of great significance to academic circles. Both Thai and foreign scholars will have an extensive opportunity to exchange ideas and experiences. Besides building a relationship between Thailand and other countries, members of Thai academia will receive new ideas from the participants that can be used to create and maintain the quality of Thai Studies.

Objectives

1. Thai and foreign scholars in the field of Thai Studies can exchange ideas and experiences, thereby  creating  a new  trend  that will  benefit  both academia  and  the  country.

2. Studies about Thailand, past, present and future, can be developed extensively based on the  points of view of  both Thais  and  foreigners.

Themes for paper and poster presentation

1. Thailand /Lao    5. Environment

2. Isan Studies      6. Diaspora

3. Postcolonization 7. Cultural Crisis

4. Media             8. Music and Performing Art

9. Thai folk wisdom and science in Thai society

10. Thai literature as a reflection of Thai Society

11.Thai as a dynamic, adaptable and beautuful   language

12. Boundary  margin  and  local  autonomy  in  Thai  history

13.  The  reinterpretation  of  Thai  history

14. Symbolism  in  Thai  writings  and art

15. Ports,commodities and trades in Thailand

     from the 14th-19thCenturies

16. The economic crisis and its impacts                                                

Panel   Discussion

1. The impacts of the new constitution on Thai    politics

2. Prospects for Thai society under the IMF dependency

3. Thai folklore, past, present and future

4. How  Southeast Asian countries cope with economic crisis: a comparative study

 

After May 1,2001

Overseas participant$210

Local participants 4,200 baht

Overseas student  $150

Local student 3,000 baht

The registration fee includes conference documents, lunch and refreshments, 2 receptions on 9th and 12th January evening. Information about conference registration, accommodations will be included in subsequent mailings.

Correspondence :

Conference Secretariat

The 8th Thai Studies

Faculty of Humanities

Ramkhamhaeng University

Bangkok 10240,THAILAND

Phone :   011-66-2-310-1100, 310-8272, 310-1113

Fax     :   011-66-2-310-8022, 310-8264

E-mail Address : thaistudies8@ram1.ru.ac.th

and thaistudies8@yahoo.com

Homepage : http://www.ru.ac.th/thaistudies8th

 

Call for Papers

Thai Studies VIII

9-12 January 2002 at Nakhon Phanom Province