THAI-FILMABEND an der Universität Hamburg am 3. Dezember 2014
18–21 Uhr, Westflügel. – Raum221 Adresse: Edmund-Siemers-Allee 1, 20146 Hamburg

The Moonhunter
Director: Bhandit Rittakol
Year: 2001
** In Thai with English subtitle
Plot Synopsis
The Moonhunter (Thai: 14 tula songkram prachachon,14 ตุลา สงครามประชาชน)

The film is based on the Thai Society remembers the tragic uprising of 14 October 1973 and the biography of two young Thai revolutionaries. Seksan Prasertkul, a fearless student leader, who, in October 1973, commanded the biggest mass demonstration in modern Thai history. His life and that of his girlfriend, Chiranan Pitpreecha-a campus queen- took a drastic turn when they were caught in the wave of political violence, stirred up by remnants of the old ruling elite who still bid for the return of dictatorial rule. The event led to a popular uprising that toppled the military dictatorship and restored democracy. After the assassinations of many fellow activists, the two decided to join the illegal armed movement, led by the Communist Party of Thailand, fighting guerilla-style in the forests of Thailand.

Siamese history during the second half of the eighteenth century AD is marked by a number of political disruptions: the decline and fall of the Ban Phlu Luang dynasty and the destruction of the city of Ayutthaya in 1767; the Thonburi interregnum of King Taksin from 1767 to 1782; and the ascendency of a new ruling house in Bangkok under the reign of Rama I (r. 1782-1809). Although these events involved political, institutional and intellectual changes that fundamentally transformed the Siamese state within a few decades, historical sources dating from this turbulent period are scant. I will examine a number of Western accounts on Siam written in the eighteenth century, assess their contribution to Thai historiography, and demonstrate how these narratives relate to a more general European discourse on revolution and political change in Asia.

Dienstag, den 9. Dezember 2014
Zeit: 18 – 20 Uhr ct
Ort: Raum 123
Universität Hamburg
Asien-Afrika Institut
Edmund-Siemers-Allee 1,
Flügel Ost