Edoardo Siani

Edoardo Siani is an Assistant Professor in Southeast Asian Studies at the Department of Asian and North African Studies, Ca' Foscari University of Venice. He holds a PhD in Anthropology and Sociology from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London, and has held academic positions at Kyoto University and SOAS. His research focuses on religion, politics, and society in contemporary Thailand, particularly divination, Buddhist cosmology, and youth-led resistance movements.

• Ph.D. Anthropology and Sociology, SOAS, University of London (2018)
• M.A. Social Anthropology, SOAS, University of London (2013)
• B.A. (Honours) Humanities with Creative Writing, The Open University, UK (2011)

His research interests lie at the intersection of anthropology, religious studies, and political science, with a strong focus on Thai Buddhist practices, spirit mediumship, astrology, and their entanglement with state power and social change. He conducts ethnographic fieldwork in Thailand and analyzes how religious symbolism shapes political resistance and legitimacy.

The most recent publications reflect a consistent trend in exploring how religious practices—particularly divination, spirit possession, and Buddhist cosmology—are mobilized in contexts of political crisis, royal succession, and youth activism in Thailand. His work reveals the deep interconnections between esoteric knowledge, sovereignty, and public discourse.

Scientific Awards and Grants:

• Japan Society for the Promotion of Science: Kakenhi Grant for Early-Career Scientist
• Kyoto University Research Grants (multiple)
• EFEO Field Scholarship
• Wenner-Gren Conference Grant
• SOAS and Cambridge Fieldwork Awards

He has served as a manuscript reviewer for journals such as Modern Asian Studies, SOJOURN, Journal of Southeast Asian Studies, and publishers including Routledge. He is currently involved in the PRIN-funded project SISEA / Symbolic Inequality at Work, examining gendered exclusion and empowerment imaginaries in Southeast Asia. He advises no formal students listed but contributes to academic mentoring through workshops and public lectures.

He is affiliated with the research group at Ca' Foscari working on anthropology and history of Southeast Asia and collaborates with international institutions including Kyoto University and SOAS. His public engagement includes media appearances on BBC, Vice News, and contributions to The New York Times, Reuters, and Italian outlets.