Thammasat ban on Nitirat was reasonable
I have listened to both the rector of Thammasat University and the leader of the Nitirat group speak their minds on Nation Channel. They spent about 45 minutes each answering questions. It was interesting.
According to Thammasat rector Somkid, free speech can be used anywhere, anytime on the campus. But the Nitirat group’s actions lately had become that of activists. Given Thammasat once saw killing on its grounds in the 70s’ political turmoil, it was reasonable to put a ban on the group.
On the other side, Nitirat leader Worajate Pakeerat has shown he is a very bright young man. This is the future of our country.
However, I think he should accept the truth that lately his group’s events within the university have attracted a certain political group with a certain purpose. Hence, the Nitirat group’s events have become that of a political campaign and are not an exercise in free speech anymore – much less a spread of knowledge. I also think the group leader is quite brazen, ingenuous and inexperienced.
To sum up: While Thammasat’s Somkid understands the role and situation of the Nitirat leader because he is older and more mature, Worajate of Nitirat lacks an understanding of the rector’s duty, because of his young age.
But both are right in their own way.
Hence, I suggest Worajate
take the Nitirat group’s campaign to the streets. That way, nobody can accuse them of conducting political activity behind the facade of a lecturer, and using Thammasat’s walls and good name as a shield.
Vint Chavala
Lamphun
