Thammasat issues guidelines for holding protests

Assoc Prof Gasinee Witoonchart, the university rector, said these guidelines would also help the pro-democracy Free Peoples movement organise their anti-government rally at Thammasat University Tha Prachan Campus on September 19.

The university executive committee has issued guidelines to promote learning about rights, liberties and responsibility under the constitution and laws, take care of students' welfare and safety, and avoid events that may lead to violence and legal prosecution. They include:

1. University is a place that allows students to express opinions and hold political activities under the constitution and laws.

2. Political activities must be held by groups affiliated with the university. Independent groups who want to hold political activities are required to receive permission from the university.

3. To ensure safety during a political rally, an agreement between students, organisers, police officers, responsible government officials and university is required.

The agreement on contents and expression under the laws, as well as measures to take care of students' welfare and safety, must be made in writing.