Prem International School

[chanchao]

From general opinion it seems that this is an outstanding facility. However I wonder if anyone feels that there could be ethical concerns related to the place. [in short, the concern is that the school's owner (and who the place is named after) is involved in (or at least actively approved of) anti democratic forces that in the past (as well as very recently) plunged Thailand back from an emerging democracy into dictatorial/military ruled country.] (For reference, e.g. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prem_Tinsulanonda )

Or is it just not a matter that you feel is relevant when you're after all just picking a place based on its educational merits. Even aside from the ethical issue, also on a practical level you don't know where Thailand is going to go politically and in the event of general Prem being looked at less favourably in history, your children would still be associated with his name/role on their resumes.

I know such is never a black and white thing, you can hardly argue that owners of international schools (or any business) can all be / should all be angels. I'm just wondering if anyone even feels it as an issue.

Edited March 26, 2007 by chanchao

[Puwa]

Ba Prem will probably make out ok in the annals of Thai history, because he is regarded as loyal, discreet, and self-sacrificing. History seems to be pretty forgiving of one's political views, so long as he doesn't line his own pockets too much. Look at Pridi Banomyong, who (according to a recent book) was a flagrant anti-royalist, but is today celebrated for his role in designing the constitutional monarchy.

Anyway, good schools are hard to come by in Thailand.

Personally, for me the larger question I ask myself is whether I am doing my child a disservice by raising him in a country with very weak rule of law and, in effect, a military dictatorship running the show, even when there are elected MPs sitting in Parliament. Is it possible to learn and internalize democratic values in such an environment? Just ruminating.

Edited March 26, 2007 by Puwa

[earlofwindermere]

Prem is not the owner. It is only named after him.

The people I know who have kids at the school didn't even know who Prem was at first - it was 100% an educational decision. Since it's an IB school, I think that it carries more weight than the actual name.

Edited March 26, 2007 by earlofwindermere

[p1p]

Prem is not the owner. It is only named after him.

The people I know who have kids at the school didn't even know who Prem was at first - it was 100% an educational decision. Since it's an IB school, I think that it carries more weight than the actual name.

Correct.

Prem was asked to head the board of govenors, to advise and to give his name to the school because he is a highly respected senior statesman. He is also regarded as being possibly the only honest Prime Minister in the last half century.

I was involved in the anti-coup movement when Generals Sunthorn and Suchinda seized power from the Chatchai Choonhaven government. The protest leaders turned to two people for help, Prem and Chamlong Srimuang of Palang Dharma.

They would not have done so if Prem was not regarded as honest.

Incidentally, his nickname Pa Prem is given him by the Thai people because of the great respect they hold for him.

There are plenty of very valid reasons not to send your child to Prem school. Prem Tinsulanonda himself is definitely not one of them.

I am afraid I now need to close this thread, because it could well lead down avenues that would be illegal in Thailand.