The Thailand Update 2004 was held at Macquarie University in Sydney with the strong support of the Vice Chancellor, Professor Di Yerbury, the Centre for International Communication and the Department of Anthropology. I would like to express our most grateful thanks for their support. May I also thank Ajarn Sripan Rattakittikachorn for help with arrangements and Genevieve Freys, without whose organizing talents we would never have made it.

I also wish to thank Thammasat University for funding Professor Bhanupong's presence and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for funding the participation of Ambassador Sawanit and Mr Paterson.

Special thanks are due to the Royal Thai Embassy in Canberra and the Consulate General in Sydney.

Professor Tony Milner from ANU and Associate Professor Philip Hirsch from Sydney University chaired sessions and commented on papers with their customary eloquence and insight.

Last but certainly not least I would like to thank my colleagues at the National Thai Studies Centre for their efforts. Dr John Funston not only presented a paper but also helped with the organizing and editing of this book, as did Jason Hall and Ajarn Chintana Sandilands.