Academics, Journalists Vow To Work For Freedom In Thailand

[webfact]

Academics, journalists vow to work for freedom

Pravit Rojanaphruk

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Four academic organisations joined forces with the Thai Journalist Association (TJA) on Wednesday in a pledge to expand the space for freedom of expression and academic freedom in Thailand.

They outlined eight key issues that need to be addressed, including the discussion of the role of the monarchy in a liberal democratic society, understanding the positives and negatives of nationalism and populism, the need for transitional justice, and the reduction of political hate speech.

The group comprises King Prajadhipok's Institute (KPI), Chulalongkorn University's Social Research Institute, Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) and Sanya Thammasak Institute for Democracy at Thammasat University.

They also pointed out that socio-economic and political disparity in Thailand must be addressed and a balance must be found regarding the right to freedom of assembly.

"It's time to expand the space for rights and liberty... All sides must have freedom in expressing themselves and raising issues," part of the statement reads, adding that all sides of the political divide should reduce their biases. The alliance vowed to carry out various academic activities to expand freedom of academia and expression in Thailand this year and next year and invites other interested organisations to join hands.

The announcement at Thammasat University, was followed by a brief symposium by well-known academics.

Prof Krittiya Archavanitkul of Mahidol University said there should be an end to self-censorship in academia and society when it comes to issues such as the monarchy institution and abortion.

"What we ought to discuss are issues that affect the public," she said, discounting issues like private lives of movie stars and the like. "We ought to have the ability to scrutinise various facts, various events and beliefs as well. I want the mainstream mass media to pay attention to this."

Thammasat University scholar Thanet Apornsuwan urged academics to represent public conscience and to not make value judgements but present facts in an objective manner. Thanet said one of the challenges is that Thailand, like much of Asia, has not achieved a secularisation of society. This, he said, means that the notion of morality has been used to limit freedom of expression in Thailand.

Thirayuth Boonmee, director of Sanya Thammasak Institute for Democracy, said it may be good for society if the public knows the ideological stance of academics who played the role of public intellectuals. Thirayuth also said the understanding the positives and negatives of the notion of nationalism is a big issue.

TDRI president Niphon Puapongphan said freedom from government and corporate controls is crucial for academics. "In the climate of conflicts where you don't see much light, I believe academic freedom can shed some light. The problem facing society is becoming more complex while political solution tends to be short term and without consideration of the complexity. And as of now, I don't see full freedom yet and there are signs that academics are fearing to make comments for fear of being branded as belonging to one side or the other."

Chulalongkorn University sociologist Prof Surichai Wan-gaew warned, however, that despite the use of the word "national reconciliation", what society is witnessing is more like "reconciliation war".

TDRI reseacher director Somkiat Tangkitvanij, urged academics not to make public remarks beyond their areas of expertise and asked them to not criticise individual politicians or political parties but to scrutinise and criticise their policies and conduct instead.

-- The Nation 2012-03-29

[AZBill]

Yeah that'll work! Nothing more effective than when the media and academicians get entangled with politics and politicians. There's a word for it and that's "cluster <snip>!

Edited March 29, 2012 by metisdead

[CalgaryII]

"Chulalongkorn University sociologist Prof Surichai Wan-gaew warned, however, that despite the use of the word "national reconciliation", what society is witnessing is more like "reconciliation war"..".

Not sure of the individual agenda's here, but I see little space between these people and Nitirat proposals based on the generalities of this article. These guys suggest no details and lack Nitirat specifics. So as the saying goes, "the devil is in the details" But assuming honorable intentions, above comment about 'reconciliation wars' is correct, and should put reconciliation stuff in the dustbin. Reconciliation means reconciling cause and effect. Effect on the "lives" of those exercising political resistance, and surfacing responsibilities, regardless how uncomfortable the truths might be. There is no commitment to this approach by some powerful elements unless it gains them things they cannot achieve otherwise. This essentially renders the process futile.

[udonguy]

super initiative that shows the culture of censorship is slowly being challenged

[avalonmick]

Strange the statement has no comment from the TJA ....

LOS is a long long way from becoming a liberal democratic society - along with many other nations in the world.

A step in the right direction, albeit a timid one.

[hellodolly]

Wasn't it academics who suggested a 100 mile long tunnel ten miles down?

To be honest with you some of them are a little bit out of touch with the realities of life off a campus.

It is easy to talk in ideological terms because then you can ignore the personalities involved.

Kinda like playing the if game.

[unanimosity]

Academics live in a theoretical world. They get tenured, somewhat akin to poliicians getting elected, and do not have to perform to keep their jobs. As intelligent as academics are perceived to be--perception being the key since intelligence without common sense is worhtless--they and the journalists are great at pointing out the obvious and complaining. But, when was the last time an academic or a journalist put forth a remarkable strategy to advance sociological conditions? Any idiot can be against things. Show us the way to reconciliation and equitable treatment for all Thai people under the law. Show us what's right not who's right. And when you give up because you cannot find the answer on your multiple choice list, step aside, swallow your pride, and let outsiders show you how.

[udonguy]

Academics live in a theoretical world. They get tenured, somewhat akin to poliicians getting elected, and do not have to perform to keep their jobs. As intelligent as academics are perceived to be--perception being the key since intelligence without common sense is worhtless--they and the journalists are great at pointing out the obvious and complaining. But, when was the last time an academic or a journalist put forth a remarkable strategy to advance sociological conditions? Any idiot can be against things. Show us the way to reconciliation and equitable treatment for all Thai people under the law. Show us what's right not who's right. And when you give up because you cannot find the answer on your multiple choice list, step aside, swallow your pride, and let outsiders show you how.

that may be true but many, many academics have stood shoulder to shoulder with those that seek change - I assume you dont have much of an education? to stand up and be counted in this censorial environment takes guts and vision - don't be too quick to knock it

[unanimosity]

Academics live in a theoretical world. They get tenured, somewhat akin to poliicians getting elected, and do not have to perform to keep their jobs. As intelligent as academics are perceived to be--perception being the key since intelligence without common sense is worhtless--they and the journalists are great at pointing out the obvious and complaining. But, when was the last time an academic or a journalist put forth a remarkable strategy to advance sociological conditions? Any idiot can be against things. Show us the way to reconciliation and equitable treatment for all Thai people under the law. Show us what's right not who's right. And when you give up because you cannot find the answer on your multiple choice list, step aside, swallow your pride, and let outsiders show you how.

that may be true but many, many academics have stood shoulder to shoulder with those that seek change - I assume you dont have much of an education? to stand up and be counted in this censorial environment takes guts and vision - don't be too quick to knock it

Seeking change is educated?

To assume is educated?

Standing up and being counted is educated?

Teaching undergrad and graduate students at a large university is not having much of an education?

[bigbamboo]

It's a start and I guess better they at least talk about these things than say nothing but will be a long hard road with a lot of vested resistance on the way.

Edited March 29, 2012 by bigbamboo

[rotary]

These are exactly the kind of people we DO NOT need working for freedom. This will be a real mess with these kind of folks and their lack of common sense.

[udonguy]

Academics live in a theoretical world. They get tenured, somewhat akin to poliicians getting elected, and do not have to perform to keep their jobs. As intelligent as academics are perceived to be--perception being the key since intelligence without common sense is worhtless--they and the journalists are great at pointing out the obvious and complaining. But, when was the last time an academic or a journalist put forth a remarkable strategy to advance sociological conditions? Any idiot can be against things. Show us the way to reconciliation and equitable treatment for all Thai people under the law. Show us what's right not who's right. And when you give up because you cannot find the answer on your multiple choice list, step aside, swallow your pride, and let outsiders show you how.

that may be true but many, many academics have stood shoulder to shoulder with those that seek change - I assume you dont have much of an education? to stand up and be counted in this censorial environment takes guts and vision - don't be too quick to knock it

Seeking change is educated?

To assume is educated?

Standing up and being counted is educated?

Teaching undergrad and graduate students at a large university is not having much of an education?

Not sure I understand you (and do not want and will not get into a flaming war) but if you are suggesting you seek change? and if you are suggesting you teach at undergrad and grad level you should have some respect for your fellow academics who are, in their own way, trying to IDENTIFY the problems so that others may carry the torch forward or would you rather no one say anything?

[udonguy]

These are exactly the kind of people we DO NOT need working for freedom. This will be a real mess with these kind of folks and their lack of common sense.

I am not a natural defender of academics and there is no suggestion that they be put into positions of power but it is of note that they are stoking the debate - good for them! as it's one of the only institutions that can SAFELY bring up certain issues - think about it