Nitirat should be argued with, not silenced

I hold that “The goal of education is the advancement of knowledge and the dissemination of truth” (John F Kennedy) and that “If the object [of education] were to make pupils think, rather than to make them accept certain conclusions, education would be conducted quite differently; there would be less… instruction and more discussion” (Bertrand Russell). Rigorous, dynamic, learned pursuit of the truth, wherever it may lead, is essential to make pupils think. 

Thammasat, as one of our great institutions of higher learning, should be where no topic is off-limits for rigorous intellectual discussion, save that which is clearly illegal (e.g. libel) – especially when the one most affected by the laws in question has noted: “The King is a human being and as such should be subject to criticism. Charges against those accused of lese-majeste should be dropped, and those held in jail for lese-majeste should be released. The use of the lese-majeste law ultimately damages the monarchy.”

His Majesty seems to be clearly desiring that the laws be changed. If Class 01 disagrees, it should show in open debate why such changes would be against the national interest – rather than seek to shut the Nitirat group up by pre-judging its activities as being offensive against the monarchy or by denying the group’s ideas the freedom to be heard in a forum dedicated to freedom of speech. 

Class 01, as highly educated alumni, please show us that you understand your university’s role in the pursuit of truth, His Majesty’s wishes on lese-majeste, and that you agree with Voltaire when he said, “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.”

Burin Kantabutra