What is the National Thai Studies Centre?

 

The National Thai Studies Centre (NTSC), located at the Faculty of Asian Studies in the Australia National University, promotes the study of Thailand in all academic disciplines, Thai language instruction, and public awareness of Thailand. It also supports linkages with Thailand in a broad range of fields, including education, culture, public administration and business.

 

The Beginning

On the 31 March 1990, The National Thai Studies Association of Australia submitted to the Government its report 'National Strategy for Thai Language Studies'. This Strategy recommended among other things, the establishment of a national centre "to provide an administrative and academic focus at the national level for Thai language studies... and for Thai socio-cultural and politico-economic studies". The government was receptive to this and on the 23 August 1990, Hon. John Dawkins MP, the then Minister for Employment, Education and Training, announced the decision to establish a National Thai Studies Centre.

The government invited bids for this Centre, one which would foster the study of the Thai language in Australia, and strengthen Australian understanding of Thai history and contemporary affairs (politics, social issues, economy, environmental issues etc.). On the 15 March 1991, the Australian National University was selected to operate the National Thai Studies Centre. The Government’s decision in favour of ANU recognised the strength of that institution in the teaching of Thai, and the considerable expertise on Thailand of staff members in History, Geography, Demography, Economics and other disciplines. Although Centre activities began in April 1991, the Centre was officially opened on the 3rd of September 1992 by Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn.

Australian Government funding was initially provided for 3 years, to early 1994. At a reduced level supplementary funding was then provided by DEETYA over the 3 year period 1995-96 to 1997-98. Since then ANU has become the primary income source.

 
Objectives and Priorities of the Centre

Mission:

• Develop  the NTSC as a  major international centre on contemporary Thai affairs

• Promote Thai studies in Australia, and understanding of Thailand in the media, business, the public sector and the wider Australian community 

 

Strategies:

• Support the study of Thai political, economic, social and cultural issues, at universities and schools in Australia

• Support the  teaching of the Thai language in Australia, including by production of teaching materials for this purpose, and supporting continued acquisitions for the outstanding Thai holdings at the Australian National Library and ANU’s Menzies library

• Hold  regular seminars and an annual Update Conference on contemporary Thai issues, featuring experts from both Thailand and Australia

• Act as a contact point for requests from the media and other sections of the community for expert opinion and  information on Thailand

• Establish a national database of educators, students, officials, private sector representatives and members of the Australian  public who are interested in Thailand, and keep in regular email contact with them about relevant activities

• Initiate and foster links between relevant institutions and organisations in Australia – particularly the Australia-Thailand Institute – and others (universities and research institutes)  in Thailand

• Maintain a website that provides information on activities related to Thailand in Australia, contemporary developments in Thailand, and useful linkages.

 

Principal Office Holders of the NTSC

Chairman, the Hon. David Jull (MP);

Executive Director, Professor Peter Warr (Department of Economics, RSPAS, ANU);

Assistant Director, Mrs Chintana Sandilands (Faculty of Asian Studies, ANU)  

 

Management of the NTSC

Centre activities are directed by a board, chaired by the Director of the Faculty of Asian Studies, ANU.

In addition to the chair and the principle office holders, other board members currently include:

Professor Kent Anderson (Director of the Faculty of Asian Studies, ANU),

Professor Tony Diller (Sydney University),

Hon. Tim Fischer (former Deputy Prime Minister),

Mr Paul Gallagher (Executive Director, Australia Thailand Business Council),

Thai Ambassador H.E. Bandhit Sotipalalit,

Dr Peter Jackson (Division of Pacific and Asian History, RSPAS, ANU),

Professor Robin Jeffrey (Convenor of the College of Asia Pacific, ANU),

Professor Peter Warr (Department of Economics, RSPAS, ANU),

Mr Doug Trappett (Director, Thailand and Philippines Section DFAT),

Dr Helen James (Anthropology Dept., RSPAS, ANU),

Professor Lindsey Falvey (Dean's Office, Institute of Land and Food Resources, University of Melbourne),

Dr Nerida Cook (Faculty of Sociology and Social Work, University of Tasmania),

Dr Surin Maisrikrod (School of Arts & Social Sciences, James Cook University),

Dr Mike Hayes (School of Communication, Faculty of Art, RMIT),

Dr Chris Lyttleton (Department of Anthropology, Division of SCMP, Macquarie University),

Mr Cavan Hogue (Former Ambassador to Thailand, former Director of NTSC),

Glen Robinson (Executive Director, ASEAN Focus Group),

 

Activities of the NTSC

The NTSC holds an annual Thai Update which provides comprehensive overview of recent economic, social and political issues and trends. Papers are delivered by distinguished Australian and Thai speakers from government, business and academia. Update proceedings are published after the conference.

The Centre welcomes many Thai visitors from different fields and organisations. It runs seminars and workshops on Thai related issues. It is developing a database on the different links between Australian and Thai Universities, and another of individuals and groups within Australia who are involved or interested in Thailand. This will be used to exchange information and will be open to anyone who wants to participate. If you would like to be added to this database, please click here.

NTSC works with other universities and organisations throughout Australia to provide briefings on Thailand for business and government either directly or by sponsoring visits by speakers from Thailand.

The Centre provides strong support for Thai language teaching. Our CD-ROM for learning Thai script has won prizes and is used by major universities outside of Australia as well as at home. We have also produced a popular textbook providing an introduction to the Thai language.