Why drag students into the crisis?: Thai opinion

[webfact]

CHALK TALK
Why drag students into the crisis?
Chularat Saengpassa

BANGKOK: -- Children need education. Going to school is the primary duty of most children. But as the country is plunging deeper into political crisis, politics has apparently made its way into educational compounds.

After the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) launched its massive protest late last year, it became a new norm that several universities and schools suspend their classes on many occasions. For what reason?

Hundreds of schools in Bangkok closed down on January 13 - the day the PDRC started its "Bangkok Shutdown" operation. The move is understandable, as their administrators were back then unsure as to how the situation would develop and they were concerned about the safety of students and staff. However, it is quite hard to comprehend why schools in unaffected zones and in provinces far from Bangkok were closed too. Some of them remain closed till today.

Some parents in southern provinces have recently brought to the Education Ministry's attention that they have to leave their children at home because schools are closed.

Some provincial schools have suspended class under pressure from PDRC demonstrators, who have rallied in their provinces. But at some other schools, teachers have responded to the PDRC call for civil disobedience. These teachers have stopped coming to class and some have joined the PDRC rallies.

Several universities have closed down temporarily too.

Chaicharn Thavaravej, president of Silpakorn University, had posted a message on his Facebook page urging the university's staff, students, alumni and lecturers to turn out in full force on December 9 for a march.

"Let's join people in marching to Government House," he said.

Several other universities, including Chulalongkorn and Thammasat, also arranged marches to Government House on December 9.

Of these higher-education institutions, some also suspended classes often in recent months apparently in tandem with some big political moves.

Thammasat rector Somkit Lertpaithoon ordered the suspension of all campuses in Bangkok and the provinces on December 2 and December 3, citing the political situation. According to his statement, the political situation in Bangkok and other provinces looks set to head towards violence and the situation looks set to affect more areas, posing an obstacle to learning and working.

While the measure was not groundless for campuses in Bangkok and adjacent provinces, the suspension proved absurd for the campuses in Lampang and Chon Buri. Back then, political rallies were concentrated just in the capital.

When the PDRC announced the Bangkok Shutdown, Chulalongkorn, Srinakharinwirot, Kasetsart, Ramkhamhaeng and many other higher-education institutions also suspended classes for at least two days this month.

The safety reason can override educational needs. Yet, in the violence-wracked deep South, students and teachers have headed to their class every day. Armed soldiers are deployed to accompany teachers in risky zones as they hope nothing will disrupt children's education. Despite violent attacks taking place almost on a daily basis, schools, teachers and security officials have done their best to keep classes going.

Some said educational institutions have the duty to uphold democracy (in this case, it involves joining the protests). Well, it's in fact the duty of all people in a democratic country. Educational institutions' duty is beyond that - to equip people with knowledge so that they can think for themselves how to peacefully and creatively promote democracy. Political science courses indicate the right to peaceful demonstration, but none urges students to host the demonstrations. It is the students who have to think for themselves.

Looking back, even during serious crises like the war between China and Japan, university administrators strove to ensure their students could go ahead with their studies. They relocated places of study deeper inland to avoid battles.

As the Second Sino-Japanese War dragged on from 1937 to 1945, three leading universities on Chinese soil decided to set up an ad-hoc university in Yunnan to facilitate education. So even in wartime, the university had been able to produce a number of graduates. This ad-hoc university has been transformed into today's Yunnan Normal University.

These universities could operate in times of war. Why can't Thai universities, when the protests are generally peaceful?

The ramifications are huge. Students have found their studies interrupted. They have become unsure of their exam schedule, which has been repeatedly postponed. The country may face political turmoil but there is no need to drag educational institutions or students into the fray.


-- The Nation 2014-01-27

[moonao]

Those students wanting to join the PDRC demonstrators desperately need an education. Democracy 101 and Social Ethics 101 would be a good start.

[EricBerg]

When emotions get high especially the smaller kids want to be with their parents. They adopt their opinions and behaviour to a large extend.

University students are very much opinionated. Nobody in any country can block them from taking part in political debate and demonstrations. No matter what side they are on.

[blabth]

I normally have a problem to agree with an editorial of the Nation but this time I do. What the universities here do, is trying to create and maintain the feeling of a elite thinking.

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

[iancnx]

I normally have a problem to agree with an editorial of the Nation but this time I do. What the universities here do, is trying to create and maintain the feeling of a elite thinking.

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

What utter rubbish. There are a great many non Dem students who have enough sense to see their future is being bankrupt by the ongoing corrupt populist policies of the Shin leadership.

[puanddavid]

After yesterday, hopefully we'll see less children at these rallies. I can't believe it when I see protesters dragging their kids to these events. Great article, keep the kids in school and away from this tinder box!

[iancnx]

After yesterday, hopefully we'll see less children at these rallies. I can't believe it when I see protesters dragging their kids to these events. Great article, keep the kids in school and away from this tinder box!

I agree with you if the kids are under 18. Over 18s are university/college student who have every right to peaceful protest in order to shape THEIR future

[puanddavid]

After yesterday, hopefully we'll see less children at these rallies. I can't believe it when I see protesters dragging their kids to these events. Great article, keep the kids in school and away from this tinder box!

I agree with you if the kids are under 18. Over 18s are university/college student who have every right to peaceful protest in order to shape THEIR future

And I agree with you. However, over 18 is an adult IMO. University students have every right to join a protest. Should the Universities be closing their doors to the students who do not wish to participate? Absolutely not, unless there is eminent danger, which may be the case on 2/2.

[JRSoul]

As an aspiring or financially struggling university student, I might ask how many scholarships could B600+ billion buy if it hadn't disappeared down the rice hole. The answer would make me very angry.

[worgeordie]

Students the world over have always protested what they see as unjust,

they were a lot more active in the 60's,,lots paying with their lives,even in

the U.S.A.,

Its their future so they have every right to peaceful protest,how else would

things ever change,if the population,just stood still and put up with all the

shit heaped on them by lots of Governments around the World,more power

to them, I say.

regards Worgeordie

[dominique355]

The commentator at The Nation seems to display this outdated attitude towards education and students, according to which students hace to sit down and shut up. Don't ask any questions, don't think for yourself!

The present unrest is the protest of people who use their brain and see what is happening in this country and are upset.

Students are people who should have been taught to use their brain. So why deny them now the right to actually use it?

[tonbridgebrit]

Yes, students taking part in demonstrations is not a funny issue. But back home, the vast bulk of students who are politically active cheer on left-wing or socialist groups, they don't actually like the Conservatives ! It's the same in France.

Over here in Thailand, some of the students are demonstrating AGAINST a poltical group that has the rural and urdan poor as it's main supporters.

Are these students demonstrating because they know they will be getting well-paid jobs after graduating (well, better money than those who do un-skilled labour), and that it will be THEIR tax money that will be used to subsidise people less well-off than they are ?
Do these students really want to see Thaksin (actually, his sister) removed, and a new government that will basically represent the majority in a new democracy ( the rural and urban poor are the majority) ?

[icommunity]

I don't think the current situation is a political crisis. It is a crisis on the enforcement of rule of law equally to all without fear and favour. Reasons of corruption, abused of power, Thaksinism/Regime are excuses for seizing power. The primary aim is to whitewashing the crimes discovered by PTP led government involving Suthep, his son, stepson and his new wife.

My question is : What and how had the present government, PPP government and Thaksin/TRT done that were so evil that impeded the growth, progress and prosperity of Thailand.

[bigbamboo]

Since when did students need to be dragged into political activism? In most countries they have always been the keenest of the keen when they believe something needs changing.

[MaxLee]

Well practically terms, students can learn certain things about their ancestor father and mothers of their country:

1. If you have a different opinion than others, you're gonna get smacked

2. If you try to think outside of the box, authorities are gonna make sure to silence you

3. If you make any Phu Yai lose face, you're gonna get punished big time physically and mentally

4. If you sit in the class rooms for 24/7 (<- exxagerating speaking), you'll learn nothing but boring force fed facts and your brain cells are gonna get mentally damaged beyond repair

The most important lesson: most influential authority in Thailand will try EVERYTHING to brainwash you and your unique ideas, even if it means punishing one physically, backstabbing or by any dirty tricks...

Grow up, dear kids of Thailand and speak up for yourselves...

[englishoak]

After yesterday, hopefully we'll see less children at these rallies. I can't believe it when I see protesters dragging their kids to these events. Great article, keep the kids in school and away from this tinder box!

I agree with you if the kids are under 18. Over 18s are university/college student who have every right to peaceful protest in order to shape THEIR future

And if they wish to protest then they should face the same disciplinary action and consequences as any working employee. yknow that word .... responsibility for ones actions. Their choice to go protest but should also face the reality of their consequences on their education not f it up for all the rest.

Face it there is no reason for unis or schools to be closed for a few people protesting its baloney, as the article says wars didnt stop them in the past. This is yet another example of the lameness of Thai society and the excuse that students should be allowed to run about as they wish when they should be in class. Oh i forgot most of the ones running about shouting a blowing whistles had mummy or daddy pay for the courses so can probably afford to pay for the upgrade on dropping results later in the year.

Nation may just be beginning to see the bigger picture and what this madman is doing to the country. Doubtful but it would be nice

Edited January 27, 2014 by englishoak

[iancnx]

After yesterday, hopefully we'll see less children at these rallies. I can't believe it when I see protesters dragging their kids to these events. Great article, keep the kids in school and away from this tinder box!

I agree with you if the kids are under 18. Over 18s are university/college student who have every right to peaceful protest in order to shape THEIR future

And if they wish to protest then they should face the same disciplinary action and consequences as any working employee. yknow that word .... responsibility for ones actions. Their choice to go protest but should also face the reality of their consequences on their education not f it up for all the rest.

Face it there is no reason for unis or schools to be closed for a few people protesting its baloney, as the article says wars didnt stop them in the past. This is yet another example of the lameness of Thai society and the excuse that students should be allowed to run about as they wish when they should be in class. Oh i forgot most of the ones running about shouting a blowing whistles had mummy or daddy pay for the courses so can probably afford to pay for the upgrade on dropping results later in the year.

Nation may just be beginning to see the bigger picture and what this madman is doing to the country. Doubtful but it would be nice

Well that is one point of view. Misguided and out of touch with reality, but a point of view nonetheless.

[ginjag]

Those students wanting to join the PDRC demonstrators desperately need an education. Democracy 101 and Social Ethics 101 would be a good start.

Keep them from not knowing much, then they can be manipulated more by the said government. If they are old enough why cannot they express their opinion??

So you are saying What?

The fact is they are getting to know much more through the internet and therefore are more aware of what is happening, so expressing their right to object you are saying they should be educated --your style??

So it looks like through most of your posts you hate anyone who goes against a totally corrupt government. Your posts are full of hatred in general.

[expat888]

I believe the OP just wants to say what people think they should hear. If the students ARE in school they aren't getting an education. If the OP wants to walk the line of truth they should say let's fix the education system so the students CAN get an education.

The Thai education system has been labeled the worst in SE Asia. 58th out of 59 countries surveyed for English ability. Ministry of ED is great on rhetoric and zero on results no matter how many times they changes ministers.

[expat888]

After yesterday, hopefully we'll see less children at these rallies. I can't believe it when I see protesters dragging their kids to these events. Great article, keep the kids in school and away from this tinder box!

I agree with you if the kids are under 18. Over 18s are university/college student who have every right to peaceful protest in order to shape THEIR future

And if they wish to protest then they should face the same disciplinary action and consequences as any working employee. yknow that word .... responsibility for ones actions. Their choice to go protest but should also face the reality of their consequences on their education not f it up for all the rest.

Face it there is no reason for unis or schools to be closed for a few people protesting its baloney, as the article says wars didnt stop them in the past. This is yet another example of the lameness of Thai society and the excuse that students should be allowed to run about as they wish when they should be in class. Oh i forgot most of the ones running about shouting a blowing whistles had mummy or daddy pay for the courses so can probably afford to pay for the upgrade on dropping results later in the year.

Nation may just be beginning to see the bigger picture and what this madman is doing to the country. Doubtful but it would be nice

Well that is one point of view. Misguided and out of touch with reality, but a point of view nonetheless.

"Not Like"

[expat888]

Those students wanting to join the PDRC demonstrators desperately need an education. Democracy 101 and Social Ethics 101 would be a good start.

Keep them from not knowing much, then they can be manipulated more by the said government. If they are old enough why cannot they express their opinion??

So you are saying What?

The fact is they are getting to know much more through the internet and therefore are more aware of what is happening, so expressing their right to object you are saying they should be educated --your style??

So it looks like through most of your posts you hate anyone who goes against a totally corrupt government. Your posts are full of hatred in general.

I disagree. I don't see where moonao hates anyone with his statement. I thought it was a good suggestion since democracy and ethics don't exist.

[BlueNoseCodger]

Looks at Phuket Technical college as an example. It is open. How did it get to remain open when so many schools in Suthep land have closed? Simple, they did a deal, the college remains open, students can study and in exchange they had to send teachers to the protests in Bangkok.

Meanwhile Talang schools are closed, their principle the principle of my wifes school, says the protestors aren't the problem, the local politicians are behind it.

I assume if we delay elections another 3 months, Suthep will keep the schools closed regardless of the damage.

Edited January 27, 2014 by BlueNoseCodger

[h90]

I normally have a problem to agree with an editorial of the Nation but this time I do. What the universities here do, is trying to create and maintain the feeling of a elite thinking.

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

Well the universities should be the elite......it should be a collection of the smartest people with the best education.

(please note the "should").

[rickirs]

I normally have a problem to agree with an editorial of the Nation but this time I do. What the universities here do, is trying to create and maintain the feeling of a elite thinking.

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

What utter rubbish. There are a great many non Dem students who have enough sense to see their future is being bankrupt by the ongoing corrupt populist policies of the Shin leadership.

What utter rubbish. There are a great many non Dem students who have enough sense to see their future is being destroyed by the ongoing insurrection under Suthep's leadership. Why should they pay for his political frivilolity by the loss of their education?

[thaisaregrt]

the problem is that those in areas not effected want time off like those in effected areas, basic laziness is the reason, not the protests. They have closed down offices here that are still accessable because they simply just dont want to work.

[tingtongteesood]

After yesterday, hopefully we'll see less children at these rallies. I can't believe it when I see protesters dragging their kids to these events. Great article, keep the kids in school and away from this tinder box!

I agree with you if the kids are under 18. Over 18s are university/college student who have every right to peaceful protest in order to shape THEIR future

And if they wish to protest then they should face the same disciplinary action and consequences as any working employee. yknow that word .... responsibility for ones actions. Their choice to go protest but should also face the reality of their consequences on their education not f it up for all the rest.

Face it there is no reason for unis or schools to be closed for a few people protesting its baloney, as the article says wars didnt stop them in the past. This is yet another example of the lameness of Thai society and the excuse that students should be allowed to run about as they wish when they should be in class. Oh i forgot most of the ones running about shouting a blowing whistles had mummy or daddy pay for the courses so can probably afford to pay for the upgrade on dropping results later in the year.

Nation may just be beginning to see the bigger picture and what this madman is doing to the country. Doubtful but it would be nice

And when will the fugitive in Dubai face consequences for his actions and serve his sentence ?

When will Jatuporn, Arisman, Nuttawat and the other terrorist leaders of the reds who incited violence and burning of Bangkok see the inside of a jail cell ?

If you want the rule of law to apply to the current protestors then it must apply equally to all including the reds from 2010. The terrorists were rewarded by Thaksin with cushy government jobs - what kind of crappy example does that set for everyone else ?!

Hypocritical red tripe as ever....