FRIDAY, March 29, 2024
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Chula student council hopes Chit Phumisak’s story can help bridge the divide in society

Chula student council hopes Chit Phumisak’s story can help bridge the divide in society

The Student Government of Chulalongkorn University (SGCU) officially apologised to revolutionary Chit Phumisak, who was pulled off the stage by student extremists 67 years ago for sharing avantgarde ideas on education.

Chit, who is also referred to as Thailand’s “Che”, was attacked by student extremists in 1953 and subsequently suspended from university for one year.

In a Facebook post on Thursday, the student council recounted the incident in a bid to raise awareness about respect for different opinions. It also slammed the university for its archaic practice of attacking students who do not follow the rules.

When Chit was attacked he was presenting an updated version of textbooks containing information, which at that time was seen as far too liberal.

The post said Chit had been born before his time, as his thoughts were not restricted by the tradition that has shackled Thai society for a long time. The revolutionary had devoted himself to write books, songs and poems to reflect inequality in society.

SGCU said Chit’s story should teach Thais to respect one another and not use violence against people with different opinions.

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