Sven Trakulhun

Sven Trakulhun, a history professor at the University of Hamburg, delves into the fascinating interactions between 19th-century Protestant missionaries and Theravada Buddhism in Siam. He discusses how these missionaries, while largely unsuccessful in conversions, inadvertently influenced Siam's Buddhist reform led by Prince Mongkut. The conversation highlights themes of cultural identity, inter-religious dialogue, and the complex relationship between modernity and tradition as Siam faced colonial pressures. Trakulhun also reflects on the evolving interest in this topic among Thai scholars.