Patrick Jory

Associate Professor Patrick Jory is a distinguished scholar of Southeast Asian History at the University of Queensland's School of Historical and Philosophical Inquiry, where he serves as Director of Research Training (Higher Degree Research). With a career spanning over two decades, he has established himself as a leading expert on Thai history, politics, and religious studies. His academic journey began at the University of Western Australia, continued at Walailak University in Thailand, and has flourished at the University of Queensland since 2011.

Dr. Jory's research interests form a comprehensive exploration of Southeast Asian societies, with particular emphasis on Thai political, intellectual, and religious history. His work delves into the intricate relationships between Theravada Buddhism and state formation, the historical development of secularization in Asia, and the complex dynamics of the conflict in southern Thailand/Patani region. He has made significant contributions to understanding Islam and Muslim societies in Southeast Asia within their broader historical and political contexts. His scholarship bridges historical analysis with contemporary political developments, offering nuanced perspectives on Southeast Asian politics that challenge simplistic narratives.

Jory's prolific publication record demonstrates remarkable thematic consistency while expanding into new areas of inquiry. His recent works reveal a growing focus on the politics of death and sovereignty, state building processes, and the civilizing processes in Thai society. The 2021 publication of A History of Manners and Civility in Thailand represents a culmination of his long-standing interest in social behavior and cultural norms. His scholarship consistently challenges conventional interpretations, as seen in his work on Thai monarchy, republican traditions, and the historical relationship between Siam and imperial China.

• Manners in Thailand's Social and Political Transformation, 1880-1980 (ARC Discovery Projects, 2018-2022)
• The Politics of Politeness: A History of Manners in Thailand (UQ New Staff Research Start-Up Fund, 2011-2012)

Professor Jory has supervised numerous PhD candidates across diverse topics related to Southeast Asian history and politics. His supervision portfolio reflects the breadth of his expertise, spanning Chinese diaspora studies, Islamic movements, political history, and cultural studies across the region. His commitment to mentoring the next generation of scholars is evident in his extensive supervision record, which includes both principal and associate advisory roles for doctoral candidates working on projects from Indonesia to Vietnam to Sri Lanka. His research continues to shape contemporary understanding of Thailand's complex historical trajectory and its implications for current political developments in Southeast Asia.