To commemorate the fifth anniversary of the founding of the Bangkok Center for Education & Research, a series of lectures are being held during a six-month period. The third lecture in this series is being held on Friday, January 21.

Thailand can be called a country that is "close" to Japan. In fact, Japan and Thailand have enjoyed a long close relationship since the early 17th century when there was a Japan town in Ayutthaya, Thailand with YAMADA Nagamasa as the head of this Japanese colony. Currently, investment in Thailand by Japan accounts for 40% of the direct foreign investment in Thailand. In addition, Japanese culture from manga to Zen as well as its latest fashion and cuisine are accepted by the public in Thailand. The two countries have built a close relationship in various areas.
Moreover, these days more than 44,000 Japanese live in Thailand, making Thailand fourth in the world in terms of the number of long-staying Japanese. Along with the image of Thailand as "the land of smiles" and "the devoted Buddhist country," most Japanese are familiar with Thai cuisine and silk.
Thailand boasts a variety of cultures, religions, and ethnicity. Generally speaking, even foreigners who have lived in Thailand for a long time know only part of such diversity. It is hoped that this 5th year commemoration will assist Japanese living in Thailand understand how their host country has been able to accept so many Japanese people.

The organizers look forward to seeing many persons in attendance.

Lecture #3 in the Lecture Series Commemorating the 5th Anniversary of Osaka University's Bangkok Center for Education & Research -- Thailand, Diversity of Society and Culture

• Day and time: Friday, January 21, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
• Title: "Pray to the gods when not in trouble. God provides for those who believe -- A hypothesis on why there are many religious Buddhists in Thailand," ISHITAKA Shingo, Specially Appointed Assistant Professor, GLOCOL
• Venue: Orchid 4, 11th floor, Jasmine City Bangkok Hotel
• Sponsored by: Bangkok Center for Education & Research Osaka University
• In cooperation with: Global Collaboration Center (GLOCOL), Japan Foundation, Bangkok