Freedom to think, discuss is crucial to reform process

Without freedom of expression guaranteed, the junta’s bid to implement reforms for democracy and reconciliation lacks credibility. Without free debate, the ongoing selection of candidates for the National Reform Council, which will map out the reform agenda and draft a new charter, is merely a ceremonial endorsement of authoritarian rule. How can this country count on reform in the national interest when even a small discussion on political science is shut down?

A group of soldiers and police last week broke up an academic debate on politics being held by scholars and students at Thammasat University’s Rangsit campus. The uniformed officials treated the speakers and those listening as if they were murderers or terrorists posing a security threat to the nation.  

Prominent historian Professor Nithi Eowsriwong together with political scientists Prajak Kongkirati, Chaowarit Chaosaengrat, Janjira Sombatpoon-siri and Panu Traiwech were taken into custody and questioned for hours at a Phathum Thani police station. Four students who organised the session were also taken in. None has a criminal record.  

“Democracy Class, Lesson 2: The Downfall of Dictatorships Abroad” was the title of the lecture. It was meant to offer lessons for the authorities on how to prolong their rule, but the junta chose to shut down the debate before they could be heard. 

Commander of the Second Field Artillery Regiment Colonel Phanlop Fuangfu, who has jurisdiction over security and order in the area, had sent a letter to Thammasat University requesting cancellation of the session, the second such symposium held by this group. Accompanying the request – which was actually an order – was an explanation that made no sense: this was not the proper time to talk about politics. 

If political discussions cannot be held while the country is going through a reform process, when can they be held?  

Authorities are now keeping a close watch on other universities. Lt-General Preecha Chan-ocha, younger brother of Prime Minister Prayuth and commander of the Third Army Region, reportedly urged students and academics at Chiang Mai University to cancel a planned seminar on political issues on Thursday.   

Junta spokesman Winthai Suvari says that, given the prevailing social mood in Thailand, political discussion is not appropriate. If so, what is the point of the junta calling for public participation in the reform process? How can reforms be inclusive if any political opinion is gagged?

Winthai suggested that any person or agencies with ideas on political development should make written proposals to Prime Minister Prayuth or the National Council for Peace and Order. “Speaking [about political issues] in public could deepen social divisions,” he said. 

Winthai apparently knows little about the nature of academic work. The Thammasat group in question is a small one and its activities are limited to the campus. Its topic of discussion was purely academic in nature and contained nothing politically provocative. How could the military imagine that the group’s activities would stir social division?

Thammasat University is among the country’s most prestigious seats of learning, set up in 1934 to offer education in law and political affairs. If students and academics cannot discuss political subjects there, of all places, how are ordinary citizens to debate any subjects crucial to the success of our reform process?

Academics who work within the limits of their profession pose no threat to the rule of the military administration, physical or otherwise. But, as Professor Nithi pointed out, last week’s events suggest that the junta is insecure about its hold on power. However, we cannot afford to fear ordinary civilians armed only with books and brains, if we want the country to move forward.