In October 1973 a military regime was toppled by mass demonstrations of students supported by large segements of the population. Since then Thai society embarked on a difficult transition to democracy. However, since then frequent military coups caused setbacks severy times. The course will discuss the political and social changes as well as the role of the military, the business elites and the monarchy. Much emphasis is given to the political discourses in Thailand.

This course is compulsory for students of the Master programme "Languages and Cultures of Southeast Asia". It is also offered and recommended to interested PhD students as well as to BA students who have a special interest in this topic and want to take this course in the frame of the Fachspezifischer Wahlbereich.