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Thammasat uniform row elicits modest proposal
Pravit Rojanaphruk
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- TALK OF dividing Thammasat University's Rangsit Campus into east and west sections, mimicking the former East and West Berlin, after a row over whether students should have the right not to wear uniforms, has been variously described as satire, a sign of a soul-searching clash between campus liberals and conservatives, and as evidence of a growing interest in cultural issues at the university, whose history is steeped in political activism.

Aum Neko, a self-proclaimed transgender and sophomore German-language student at Thammasat who launched a debate-cum-protest by producing stylised posters of students in uniform having sex, told The Nation that at the heart of the controversy is a struggle for the fundamental freedom for students.

"We're trying to say that even the uniform that clothes us cannot control our human nature," Aum said, referring to her campaign posters, which have shocked some, not just on campus but also in the wider society.

Aum said she respects the right of students who want to wear a uniform, but discounted the idea that enforcing the donning of student uniforms could eliminate class differentiation between rich and poor students. Students can still flaunt their wealth through such trappings as designer handbags, iPhones and other accessories.

"If wearing a uniform truly leads to discipline and will make them good, Thailand would be ahead of America or Europe by now," she said.

When asked about the talk of separating the university into east and west sides, Aum said nobody seems to know who first floated the idea on social networking sites.

She said it's probably a satirical gesture, though it resonates with the fact that the mostly science-related faculties that oppose the call to abolish compulsory uniform wearing are perceived as a kind of East Berlin, a city where citizens were being "controlled".

Aum is currently on the receiving end of a police complaint accusing her of lese majeste, lodged by a man after she disseminated parts of a speech written by "The Promoters", a group of students and soldiers whose activities brought about the end of absolute monarchy in 1932. She believes the move was related to her protest and was an attempt to shut her up.

Yukti Mukdawijitra, an anthropology lecturer at Thammasat who is technically teaching in "West Thammasat", believes the controversy signifies a growing interest in cultural issues. He agreed, however, that the proposal to separate Thammasat into east and west is an ironic one rooted in the debate over students' rights.

"It's about the borderline of freedom," he said.

Vipar Daomanee, who taught at the university's College of Innovation and Education, said the chasm has proven that the old slogan of Thammasat being the freest of all Thai universities is not true. As a long-time advocate of this special role for Thammasat, Vipar said she was sorry wants to apologise, for such a reputation is too good to be true.

The rift also reflects the wider division within society today, where liberal and conservative forces clash, she said.

"What has happened is a good thing. It means some students will not simply follow instructions without questioning them, and will analyse things."

Trying to play down the whole discussion of "East" and "West Thammasat" is Prinya Thaewana-rumitkul, vice rector for student affairs. Prinya said the whole division topic is just a joke, though outsiders may not understand. "There's no real division," he said. "[Aum] may have overdone [the campaign] a bit."


-- The Nation 2013-09-26

[ChrisY1]

Quite good answers from this young lady, and cudos to her.....but to me, it seems a complete nonsense.

[jaltsc]

Perhaps the message that the authorities want to convey is: In Thailand you must be followers from birth to grave,..And just because you continue your schooling through university, your education will always be limited to what is best for those who serve in power. If you question uniforms today, perhaps you will question the power structure tomorrow.

[Morakot]

"If wearing a uniform truly leads to discipline and will make them good, Thailand would be ahead of America or Europe by now"

Fine example of the questionable assumption that discipline leads to progress or success. Pedagogies that stifle creativity and independent thought...

Edited September 26, 2013 by Morakot

[gl555]

If this is her, she's pretty cute!

https://www.facebook.com/aumaum.neko?fref=ts

[BlackJack]

More pictures please

[mca]

Aum Neko, a self-proclaimed transgender and sophomore German-language student at Thammasat who launched a debate-cum-protest

Ooer Missus! I bet that created a sticky situation.

[Card]

Good for her. Often it's the transgenders who lead the way in Thailand. Probably because they're used to putting up with so much ridicule and discrimination, they don't give a sh*t. Just like the one who made a film about a smoking monk and whose film was banned for bringing shame on monks (I've seen one recently driving a car and another smoking whilst waiting for a bus).

I can understand and even support compulsory uniforms for schoolkids, but higher education students are quite different. How does the government expect young adults from taking the initiative in driving the country forward if they are kept back from expressing themselves?

[terry101]

Thought this quite appropriate.

[Tahmid]

I haven't seen or heard a single thing about this :S And I'm a student at TU Rangsit =|

Also, I haven't seen people discontent with uniforms. They seem to rather enjoy it from what it seems.

[otherstuff1957]

If this is her, she's pretty cute!

https://www.facebook.com/aumaum.neko?fref=ts

I think it's actually this Aum Neko, not that one:

https://www.facebook.com/cute.aum/about

[tingtongteesood]

Why doesn't the university use this as an excellent opportunity for learning ? The uni should pick pro and antiu uniform people to stage a debate. At the end of the debate the uni should have a democratic vote and whatever the result all must abide by it. This will show the students that there are many sides to any argument and demonstrate how democracy SHOULD work.

[ETatBKK]

I can understand and even support compulsory uniforms for schoolkids, but higher education students are quite different. How does the government expect young adults from taking the initiative in driving the country forward if they are kept back from expressing themselves?

hmm . . . this is NOT what they want to see ! 'follow me please' !

[louse1953]

If this is her, she's pretty cute!

https://www.facebook.com/aumaum.neko?fref=ts

Profound statement,really adds to the conversation.

[yoshiwara]

Why doesn't the university use this as an excellent opportunity for learning ? The uni should pick pro and antiu uniform people to stage a debate. At the end of the debate the uni should have a democratic vote and whatever the result all must abide by it. This will show the students that there are many sides to any argument and demonstrate how democracy SHOULD work.

That is not how democracy should work at all.