The Culture and Society of Thailand

Thai Political, Business, and Security Concerns

A full credit language and instructional program at Chulalongkorn University in the heart of Bangkok

June 14 - July 23, 2004

The Department of Asian Studies, in cooperation with Chulalongkorn University, will offer an intensive six-week language training program and six units of GE courses with an optional extension for three additional units. The courses will be taught in English by both SDSU professors and Chulalongkorn faculty.

In addition to 90 hours of topical classroom instruction, the program will also provide
Thai language instruction, supplemented by numerous off-campus visits plus one short weekend (two days) and one long weekend (four days) field trips.

Chulalongkorn University is the premier academic institution in Thailand, often referred to as the country's Harvard University. The oasis-like campus lies in the heart of Bangkok. Students may spend "quiet time" on campus, or feel free to walk or jog. Yet only minutes away is the bustle and excitement of one of the leading cities in Asia. The university's participating faculty includes some of the leading political, business, and military figures in Thailand.

Who is eligible for this class? Although the program can earn six units of GE credit, you need not enroll to participate. Anyone interested in Thai culture, business practices, and security issues is welcome to apply. In particular, students in International Business, ISCOR, Asian Studies, History, Political Science, Sociology, Anthropology, Social Work, and Communications will benefit from this class. Arrangements may also be made for graduate credit.

Food and housing: Students will be accommodated in the foreign student dormitory on the campus of Chulalongkorn University. These are comfortable double rooms with private baths, sparsely but adequately furnished. Think of a basic Motel 6 room and you'll be close. Downstairs is a cafeteria/restaurant that serves three meals daily, although after the first week students will be free to take their lunches and dinners off campus. All campus facilities, including computers, library, sports equipment, and a special Buddhist meditation center will also be open to SDSU students. And Bangkok itself is only a five-minute walk from the dorm.

Academic program: This program will offer six units under two GE courses.

AS 459 (Modern Asian Cultures): Provides a background on modern Thai culture and society, with a focus on business principles and political ideology.

AS 300 (Asia's Global Future): Concentrates on security issues such as the problems with drug trafficking, terrorism, and money laundering, and regional concerns such as the role of ASEAN and of Thailand as a growing Asian power.

Thai language: Regular language instruction supplemented by guided field trips. You may also use the university language laboratory for further study.

Field Trips and off-campus activities: The six-week program includes two weekend field trips and visits to local sites. The weekend trips will visit the resort of Hua Hin where the king and queen reside; the historical ruins at Sukhothai and Sri Satchanalai, Lampang for an elephant ride; and a seminar with US Drug Enforcement agents in the northern city of Chiangmai. Other local destinations include a visit to the Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha, attending a session of Parliament, and meeting with leading Thai business, political, and military leaders.

Faculty: The program will be led by Prof. Allen Wittenborn from the Departments of Asian Studies and History. Dr. Wittenborn has lived and worked in Thailand and travels there on a regular basis. Participating Chulalongkorn faculty will include regular faculty from various departments and professionals from the business and political worlds (see attached sheet).

Costs: The cost per student of $3358 includes all of the following:

· Full SDSU tuition
· Fees in Thailand for 90 hours topical instruction + special language training
· Shared accommodations for six weeks
· All breakfasts for six weeks
· Lunches and dinners for one week
· Welcome lunch and farewell dinner
· Airport transfers in Thailand
· Two weekend trips with all accommodations and meals
· Admissions fees to all site visits
· Transportation in and outside Bangkok
· Course materials and access to all University facilities

Additional costs: The approximate air fare should be around $700-750. A valid Thai visa is about $50 + photos. A US passport costs $85. Insurance costs vary but should not exceed $50.

A $500 deposit must be received by March 31. A second payment of $858 is due on April 15. A final payment of $2,000 will be due on April 30, 2004.

For further information, please contact Dr. Allen Wittenborn, at (619) 594-3924 or email at
thailand2004@cox.net or meet in BAM 332B.

Schedule for Thailand 2004 at Chulalongkorn University

(All morning sessions are approximately three hours duration)
(All afternoon language instruction is 90 minutes)

Week 1
Sunday, June 13
Arrive Bangkok (unless arrangements made to travel earlier)
Monday, June 14
AM Welcoming ceremony, orientation, campus tour, welcome lunch
PM (Optional) Siam Square, Siam Centre, Mahboonkrong, Skytrain
Tuesday, June 15
AM Thailand at a glance
PM Thai language
Wednesday, June 16
AM Historical context of Thailand + Thailand today
PM Thai language
Thursday, June 17
AM Thai customs + Thai cuisine
PM Thai language
Friday, June 18
AM Buddhism in Thailand
PM Excursion to Wat Po

Week 2
Monday, June 21
AM Thailand's foreign affairs: regional + international
PM Thai language
Tuesday, June 22
AM Introduction to ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) & APEC (Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum)
PM Thai language
Wednesday, June 23
AM Thailand's political system
PM Attend session of Parliament
Thursday, June 24
AM Thailand's royalty
PM Thai language
Friday, June 25
Overnight trip to Hua Hin. Visit Khao Wang Palace (Rama IV) +
Saturday, June 26
Palace of Love + Night market/bazaar

Week 3
Monday, June 28
AM Thai-US relations (American perspective)
PM Thai language
Tuesday, June 29
AM Thai-US relations (Thai perspective)
PM Thai language
Wednesday, June 30
AM Thailand's role in Asia + Thai relations with China
PM Thai people & culture through their short stories
Thursday, July 1
AM Thailand's government
PM Thai language
Friday, July 2
AM Education in Thailand
PM School visit + Thai language exercise

Week 4
Monday, July 5
AM Organized crime + money laundering
PM Thai language
Tuesday, July 6
AM The Northern Region + its people & cultures
PM Thai language
Wednesday, July 7
AM The Golden Triangle: Thai-Lao-Burmese political & military
relations + the drug problem
PM Thai language
Thursday, July 8
"Long weekend"
Sri Satchanalai, Sukhothai, Lampang, Chiangmai,
Sunday, July 11
Seminar on drug trade with US Drug Enforcement Agency officials

Week 5
Monday, July 12
AM The Thai economy
PM Visit major Thai company
Tuesday, July 13
AM Thai banking system + Thai business principles
PM Visit Thai bank
Wednesday, July 14
AM Thai negotiating strategies
PM Library research
Thursday, July 15
AM Thailand's corporate structure
PM Library research
Friday, July 16
AM Boat cruise on Bangkok's klongs (canals)
PM Thai business culture

Week 6
Monday, July 19
AM The Thai military + Thailand's national defense
PM Visit Thai military base
Tuesday, July 20
AM Thai art & architecture
PM Visit Grand Palace & Temple of the Emerald Buddha
Wednesday, July 21
AM Conflict resolution in Thailand
PM Library research
Thursday, July 22
AM Terrorism in Thailand & Southeast Asia
PM Library research
Friday, July 23
AM Final research
PM Exam and papers due
Saturday, July 24
AM Certificate ceremony
PM Farewell dinner
Sunday, July 25
Free

Monday, July 26: Depart Thailand

Proposed/Potential Faculty for Thailand 2004 (Partial listing)

Dr. Surin Pitsuwan
Former Minister of Foreign Affairs (1997-2001)
Former Chairman of ASEAN (1999-2000)

Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva
Deputy Leader of the Democratic party

Mr. Chakarot Chitrabongs
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Culture

Mr. Chupinit Kesmanee
Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Education

Dr. Dhiravat Na Pombejra
Lecturer, Department of History

Dr. Paitoon Wiboonchutikula
Associate Professor, Faculty of Economics

Lt. Gen. Pitsanu Urailert
Director of Joint Civil Affairs, Supreme Command Headquarters

Gen. Ronachuck Swasdikiat
Commanding General, National Defense Studies Institute

Dr. Sakda Thanitcul
Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs

Dr. Sippanandha Ketudat
Professor Emeritus, Former Minister of Education, Former Minister of Industry

Dr. Somjai Phagaphasvivat
Associate Professor, Faculty of Political Sciences

Dr. Suchit Bunbongkara
Judge of the Constitutional Court

Dr. Sunait Chutintaranond
Deputy Director, Institute of Asian Studies
Director of Thai Studies Center

Dr. Suwanna Satha-Anand
Associate Professor, Philosophy Department

Dr. Tanet Charoenmuang
Director, Local Administration Studies, Faculty of Sociology