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Canberra, Monday 23 April, 2001
Thai Update: Defence and strategy in 2001
How has the Thai military developed in the past decade?
What is its latest strategic outlook?
On the 26-27 April, the National Thai Studies Centre,
in the Faculty of Asian Studies, will host the Thailand Update, with a
special focus on defence systems, border relations and peace-keeping exercises
in the region.
The conference will also explore Thailand's relationships
with China, the US and Australia.
Alan Dupont, Head of the ANU's Asia Pacific Security Program,
will speak at the conference about new and emerging threats to Thailand.
"During the Cold War, long-running communist insurgencies
aided and abetted by regional neighbours were the major threat to Thailand's
security," he said.
"In the 21st century, however, Thailand faces far more
complex challenges to security such as illegal migration, drug trafficking,
AIDS, water scarcity, deforestation and climate change. How Bangkok deals
with these challenges will ultimately determine whether Thailand successfully
makes the transition from a developing state to a prosperous, advanced
and mature democracy," said Mr Dupont.
Twelve local and international Thai experts will attend
the two-day conference. Speakers include:
Professor Panitan Wattanayagorn (Chulalongkorn University,Bangkok),
to talk about reforms in the Thai armed forces, and
General Teerawat Putamanonda (Thai Defence Ministry), outlining
Thai perceptions of Australia's role in the region, and
Major General Vaipot Srinual (Royal Thai Army), who will discuss
the country's external peace-keeping roles in the South East Asia region.
For the full program visit www.anu.edu.au/thaionline/update2001.html
For interviews before the conference call
Alan Dupont, Director Asia-Pacific Security Program, ANU, 02 6125 9929
(w) or email alan.dupont@anu.edu.au.
For more information/interviews call
Cavan Hogue, Director Thai Studies Centre, ANU, 02 6125 3945 (w) or
0414 917 499 (m) or email cavan.hogue@anu.edu.au
Or John Mikler, Asia-Pacific Liaison Officer, 02 6125
9728 (w) or 0409 304 433 (m)
No: 33/2001
© 2000 Marketing & Communications Division,
The Australian National University.
Questions or Comments?
Last Modified Tue, July 16, 2002
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