Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin - Kultur-, Sozial- und Bildungswissenschaftliche Fakultät - Institut für Asien- und Afrikawissenschaften

Date and Time: 12.11.2024 at 6 pm

Location: Invalidenstraße 118, Seminar für Südostasienstudien, Room 117

Despite the longstanding belief that Thailand was never colonized, the country’s higher education system reveals subtle influences from Western colonial powers, both during and after the colonial era. This lecture will trace how these influences have shaped Thai higher education, from the colonial period through the post-WWII era, and explore Thailand’s efforts to preserve its heritage while establishing a global identity. The presentation introduces a research project that examines the opportunities and challenges in adapting higher education models across diverse social, political, and cultural contexts.

Speaker Bio
Penpisoot Kwan Maitrarat is a lecturer at Mahasarakham University, Thailand, specializing in the history of education, Thai culture and society, and social studies. Her work also explores discourse and institutional theory, social practices, mythology, and global society. Her recent book, The History of Higher Education in Thailand – Confronting Challenges, reflects her expertise in applying sociological theories to global and local phenomena.