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Sunthorn Phu (1786–1855) is an unlikely figure through which to understand nineteenth-century Buddhism in Siam. Despite being described as a “drunken writer” by the court astrologer after his death, he is now the national poet of Thailand. In this talk, Paul Lewis McBain shall explain how his newly-published book A Drunken Bee argues that the irreverent, rebellious, and parodic voice of Sunthorn Phu is an invaluable resource for understanding the Buddhism of early Bangkok.

Manish Maskara is an Associate Lecturer at SOAS University of London.

Learn about the attributes that make a SOAS graduate.

To launch the SOAS History Seminar 2025/26, a roundtable with SOAS historians will reflect on their research journeys and the questions which inspire them today.

Learning from South Omo highlights research by agro-pastoralist communities in Southern Ethiopia. Confronting rapid change through land appropriation, tourism and climate pressures, researchers from seven groups present their own perspectives on livelihoods, identity and development. Centring local expertise, the exhibition shares aspirations and concerns for the future—research about, by and for the people of South Omo.

Meet Maggie Dziem, Head of International Student Recruitment, at the upcoming British Council UK University Fair in Hong Kong.