Northern Illinois University
invites your participation in
The Ninth International Conference on Thai Studies
April 3 - 6, 2005
DeKalb Illinois

Invitation

The scholarly conference will begin Sunday afternoon April 3, 2005 on the Northern Illinois University campus in DeKalb Illinois and conclude Wednesday afternoon, April 6, 2005. There will be panels and roundtable discussions covering a broad array of themes and issues in Thai Studies. Three themes will be lifted up and receive special focus at this conference: the South, the Thaksin government and gender in Thai society. Many of the papers and panels focusing on these intersecting themes will seek new definitions of what it means to be "Thai".

Five leading Thai scholars have agreed to be keynote speakers. Chaiwat Satha anand will speak on the crisis in the South and discuss the challenges of building a multi ethnic society. Surin Pitsuwan will reflect on his experiences as a former foreign minister and speak about the international and domestic challenges facing Thailand. Pasuk Phongpaichit will speak on contemporary politics and the Thaksin government. Virada Somsawasdi will speak on legal aspects of gender in Thai society. Kanokwan Tharavan will also speaks on gender in Thai society, emphasizing the social aspects.

Costs and Accommodations

The cost of the conference for professionals is $150 ($125 if registered before March 3, 2005). The cost for students is $95 ($75 if registered before March 3, 2005). All participants, speakers, presenters and guests will be expected to register. The conference fee covers all conference materials, tote bag, a CD of the conference proceedings as well as hospitality, one lunch, one dinner and receptions.

Transportation from the Hyatt Hotel Chicago and O'Hare airport on April 3rd in a university vehicle may be reserved when registering for a modest fee. The vehicle pickup point and time is 11am at the Hyatt Regency, Stetson Street (between the two towers of the Hyatt Regency) and 12 noon at International Terminal 5, Lower Level, International Arrivals, Door "E". Door "E" is located across from the McDonalds' restaurant on the lower level. PLEASE NOTE: The International Terminal is separate from Domestic Terminals 1, 2, and 3 and the Airport Transit System (ATS) is the only means of transport between them. Space on the NIU shuttle is by advanced eservation and pre-payment only. The O'Hare pick up point is the same for ALL pickups at O'Hare airport. Returns to O'Hare will drop off people at each terminal (1,2,3 and 5). To make your own travel arrangements if you are arriving on a different day contact DeKalb O'Hare Limousine Service at 815-758-0631. The Limo cost is approximately $60 one way. You must make these arrangements before arriving in Illinois. There is no public transportation between the Chicago airport and DeKalb, Illinois.

A block of guest rooms has been reserved at the Best Western Inn & Suites. These rooms are a couple of blocks from the university. The rooms will be held for conference participants up to two weeks before the conference. The cost of these rooms is $67 per night double occupancy. To contact them, click on the following link 14156@hotel.bestwestern.com , and address you email to the attention of Vicki or you can call her at 815-758-8661.

There are two additional nearby motels:
Travelodge, 1116 West Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb, IL 60115, 815-756-3398; and Baymont Inn & Suites, 1314 West Lincoln Hwy, DeKalb, IL 60115, 815-748-4800.

Meals not provided through conference registration may be purchased at one of several restaurants in the Holmes Student Center. There are also several restaurants surrounding the campus. For additional local information you can contact the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce .