Thor is Dean ASEAN at Curtin University and Director International of its School of Media, Creative Arts and Social Inquiry. Thor's research has contributed to new knowledge on media representation, human rights, Indigenous Peoples' rights, impacts of infrastructure projects and green built environments. Thor has served on Curtin University's Academic Board, NTEU National Council, and has had fellowships at the University of Melbourne and Universitas Airlangga. Besides project grants, he has been awarded an Australian Postgraduate Award, Curtin Research Scholarship and Early Career Development Fellowship.From 1999 to 2010, Thor managed a group of companies providing research and media services to the building and construction industry in Southeast Asia and Western Australia. As Managing Director of BCI Asia’s Singapore-based holding company, he shifted industry discourse in Southeast Asia towards green building and ethical construction practices. He was involved in planning, costing, designing, supervising and delivering research subscription services, publications and consultancy projects for thousands of client corporations and institutions. He founded BCI's Indonesian subsidiary and served as its Commissioner until 2021. Thor has also worked as a researcher, journalist, editor and document specialist in Melbourne, Jakarta and The Hague.