Dean covers head with box to protest rector holding dual posts



BANGKOK: -- Public health minister Dr Rajata Rajatanavin drew a protest from a dean of Mahidol university wearing a metal box on his head as the minister chaired a meeting of deans Wednesday morning.

The dean of the College of Music of Mahidol University, Sugree Charoensuk, walked into the meeting room wearing the box with the front transparent to protest Dr Rajata for holding both the university’s rector and the minister posts at the same time.

He said the rector should choose one of the jobs, not both.

University rector is an academic position rooted in freedom of thought, while the cabinet seat is political and contradicted academic independence of thought, he said.

The deans’ meeting took place at the university rector’s office Wednesday morning.

He also planned to cover his head with the box to the university council’s meeting Sept 17.

In this morning’s press conference at the College of Music, Mr Sugree demanded Dr Rajata resign as rector of Mahidol university.

He said that the assumption of dual positions was a conflict of interest and that a person who is a teacher should have to realise it.

His protest today was also given a morale boost from a university dean with roses.

Covering the head with box is a Thai proverb which means if someone has done something which is a serious shame, he or she should cover head with box.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/dean-covers-head-box-protest-rector-holding-dual-posts/


-- Thai PBS 2014-09-10

He said the rector should choose one of the jobs, not both.

Why not?

The rector is capable. The dean is not.

Sour grapes. anyone?

Also, the dean should be arrested, as protest is still a crime. Martial law have not been lifted.

How can anyone who acts so immaturely by putting a metal box over his head hold a dean's position or be taken seriously? It's like we tell our children to help them grow up and deal with life: "Use your words, Johnny".

Covering the head with box is a Thai proverb which means if someone has done something which is a serious shame, he or she should cover head with box.

I am not sure I follow. The man wearing the box in the article is ashamed of someone else, not himself. So if a person is ashamed of another's actions, he should put a box on his own head?

If this were true, I suppose the whole population would be covered in boxes.

I'm going out to buy mine today!

Gotta love Thailand - he may just start a craze - would be great to see box wearing Thais all over the place. These are some strong drugs and I appear to be tripping wildly.

It's already taking off..this Soi dog was caught crapping in the street....

Just spent the housekeeping money down at the bar , stayed out late , woke up the house on return - on with your head !

Maybe a more modern version of anti sheating head gear.

Thai's really need to ..

Can't beat Thainess

With women, can you use a paper bag, if you're really ashamed of them?

Academic Stages 'Ashamed' Protest Over Rector's New Cabinet Post

By Khaosod English

Sukree Charoensuk, dean of Mahidol University's College of Music, wore a metal box on his head in a symbolic protest over his university rectors decision to become a Cabinet member in the countrys new military government, 10 Sept 2014.

BANGKOK A prominent academic staged a rare public protest this morning over his university rectors decision to become a Cabinet member in the countrys new military government.

Sukree Charoensuk, dean of Mahidol University's College of Music, wore a metal box on his head in a symbolic protest as he walked to attend a meeting with the university's rector, Rajata Rajatanavin, this morning. The metal box was a reference to the Thai idiom "putting a metal box over one's head," which describes feeling shame.

The university's rector, Dr. Rajata, was appointed Minister of Public Health in coup leader and Prime Minster Gen. Prayuth Chan-ochas newly-sworn in Cabinet, which is expected to administer the country until elections are held next October at the earliest.

Mr. Sukree said he felt "ashamed" because Dr. Rajata accepted the job even though rectors are prohibited from holding political office under university regulations.

"He may have been appointed to the job as a Minister, but he should use his common sense and ethics. It is very important," Mr. Sukree said.

"I'm alone. I can only do this," he added. "Whether [Mr. Rajata] will quit or not is his business ... But the fact that a person is holding two different positions at the same time makes me wonder, will he be able to do his job well?"

Mr. Sukree's protest was rare violation of the ban on public demonstrations put in place by the junta's National Council for Peace and Order, which seized power on 22 May under Gen. Prayuth's command.

Kittikorn Chamorndusit, a lecturer from the Faculty of Environment and Resources Studies and a member of the University Council, later met with Mr. Sukree and presented him with a bouquet of flowers to show his support.

"We are an educational institution that should be example for young people," Mr. Kittikorn told reporters. "The University Act clearly says that rectors cannot hold political office."

Mr. Kittikorn said he and other lecturers will continue to pressure Dr. Rajata to respect the university's regulation by organising public forums and calling an emergency University Council meeting to discuss the matter on 17 September.

Mahidol University's regulations also say that rectors must be able to work at the university full-time, which Dr. Rajata will not be able to do as long as he holds two jobs, Mr. Kittikorn added.

Reporters were not allowed to observe today's meeting, but university officials confirmed that Dr. Rajata was present. He did not give any comment to the press about Mr. Sukree's protest.

"Today's meeting proceeded according to usual schedule," a university official said. "There was no discussion about the controversy."

Last month, students at Thammasat University launched a campaign denouncing the school's rector for joining the National Legislative Assembly (NLA), another body in the interim government whose members were handpicked by the NCPO.

Source: http://www.khaosodenglish.com/detail.php?newsid=1410336440&section=11&typecate=06

-- Khaosod English 2014-09-10

Academic Stages 'Ashamed' Protest Over Rector's New Cabinet Post

By Khaosod English

BANGKOK — A prominent academic staged a rare public protest this morning over his university rector’s decision to become a Cabinet member in the country’s new military government.

Sukree Charoensuk, dean of Mahidol University's College of Music, wore a metal box on his head in a symbolic protest as he walked to attend a meeting with the university's rector, Rajata Rajatanavin, this morning. The metal box was a reference to the Thai idiom "putting a metal box over one's head," which describes feeling shame.

The university's rector, Dr. Rajata, was appointed Minister of Public Health in coup leader and Prime Minster Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha’s newly-sworn in Cabinet, which is expected to administer the country until elections are held next October at the earliest.

Mr. Sukree said he felt "ashamed" because Dr. Rajata accepted the job even though rectors are prohibited from holding political office under university regulations.

"He may have been appointed to the job as a Minister, but he should use his common sense and ethics. It is very important," Mr. Sukree said.

"I'm alone. I can only do this," he added. "Whether [Mr. Rajata] will quit or not is his business ... But the fact that a person is holding two different positions at the same time makes me wonder, will he be able to do his job well?"

Mr. Sukree's protest was rare violation of the ban on public demonstrations put in place by the junta's National Council for Peace and Order, which seized power on 22 May under Gen. Prayuth's command.

Kittikorn Chamorndusit, a lecturer from the Faculty of Environment and Resources Studies and a member of the University Council, later met with Mr. Sukree and presented him with a bouquet of flowers to show his support.

"We are an educational institution that should be example for young people," Mr. Kittikorn told reporters. "The University Act clearly says that rectors cannot hold political office."

Mr. Kittikorn said he and other lecturers will continue to pressure Dr. Rajata to respect the university's regulation by organising public forums and calling an emergency University Council meeting to discuss the matter on 17 September.

Mahidol University's regulations also say that rectors must be able to work at the university full-time, which Dr. Rajata will not be able to do as long as he holds two jobs, Mr. Kittikorn added.

Reporters were not allowed to observe today's meeting, but university officials confirmed that Dr. Rajata was present. He did not give any comment to the press about Mr. Sukree's protest.

"Today's meeting proceeded according to usual schedule," a university official said. "There was no discussion about the controversy."

Last month, students at Thammasat University launched a campaign denouncing the school's rector for joining the National Legislative Assembly (NLA), another body in the interim government whose members were handpicked by the NCPO.

Source: http://www.khaosodenglish.com/detail.php?newsid=1410336440&section=11&typecate=06

-- Khaosod English 2014-09-10

'

"The University Act clearly says that rectors cannot hold political office."

If the Act clearly says that the rector is in violation of it, pursue the matter in a mature and logical manner, not by walking around looking like a fool who is unable to express oneself intelligently. The University should be very embarrassed that they've placed this man in the position of a dean.

Academic Stages 'Ashamed' Protest Over Rector's New Cabinet Post

By Khaosod English

BANGKOK — A prominent academic staged a rare public protest this morning over his university rector’s decision to become a Cabinet member in the country’s new military government.

Sukree Charoensuk, dean of Mahidol University's College of Music, wore a metal box on his head in a symbolic protest as he walked to attend a meeting with the university's rector, Rajata Rajatanavin, this morning. The metal box was a reference to the Thai idiom "putting a metal box over one's head," which describes feeling shame.

The university's rector, Dr. Rajata, was appointed Minister of Public Health in coup leader and Prime Minster Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha’s newly-sworn in Cabinet, which is expected to administer the country until elections are held next October at the earliest.

Mr. Sukree said he felt "ashamed" because Dr. Rajata accepted the job even though rectors are prohibited from holding political office under university regulations.

"He may have been appointed to the job as a Minister, but he should use his common sense and ethics. It is very important," Mr. Sukree said.

"I'm alone. I can only do this," he added. "Whether [Mr. Rajata] will quit or not is his business ... But the fact that a person is holding two different positions at the same time makes me wonder, will he be able to do his job well?"

Mr. Sukree's protest was rare violation of the ban on public demonstrations put in place by the junta's National Council for Peace and Order, which seized power on 22 May under Gen. Prayuth's command.

Kittikorn Chamorndusit, a lecturer from the Faculty of Environment and Resources Studies and a member of the University Council, later met with Mr. Sukree and presented him with a bouquet of flowers to show his support.

"We are an educational institution that should be example for young people," Mr. Kittikorn told reporters. "The University Act clearly says that rectors cannot hold political office."

Mr. Kittikorn said he and other lecturers will continue to pressure Dr. Rajata to respect the university's regulation by organising public forums and calling an emergency University Council meeting to discuss the matter on 17 September.

Mahidol University's regulations also say that rectors must be able to work at the university full-time, which Dr. Rajata will not be able to do as long as he holds two jobs, Mr. Kittikorn added.

Reporters were not allowed to observe today's meeting, but university officials confirmed that Dr. Rajata was present. He did not give any comment to the press about Mr. Sukree's protest.

"Today's meeting proceeded according to usual schedule," a university official said. "There was no discussion about the controversy."

Last month, students at Thammasat University launched a campaign denouncing the school's rector for joining the National Legislative Assembly (NLA), another body in the interim government whose members were handpicked by the NCPO.

Source: http://www.khaosodenglish.com/detail.php?newsid=1410336440&section=11&typecate=06

-- Khaosod English 2014-09-10

'

"The University Act clearly says that rectors cannot hold political office."

If the Act clearly says that the rector is in violation of it, pursue the matter in a mature and logical manner, not by walking around looking like a fool who is unable to express oneself intelligently. The University should be very embarrassed that they've placed this man in the position of a dean.

Correct. Better sack this foolish Dean.

Reminds me of 'Brian' when the Romans came knocking at the door

brave man who 'sees' the truth and points it out and Thailand needs more such brave men

"University rector is an academic position rooted in freedom of thought, while the cabinet seat is political and contradicted academic independence of thought, he said."

No it doesn't.

"Covering the head with box is a Thai proverb which means if someone has done something which is a serious shame, he or she should cover head with box."

Has anyone explained the proverb to the guy with his head in a box? [Prior to putting it on that is}

brave man who 'sees' the truth and points it out and Thailand needs more such brave men

What it needs more people wearing boxes???

Looks like a biscuit tin that surely makes the cake!

In my experience, academics in Thailand should never be allowed out of their building. They have plenty of advice on everything they have never actually done - and because the country has no experience of much except building with concrete, fishing and farming they get away with it.

In the UK we ignore them : they only pipe up when they are looking for funding.

Inflammatory posts have been removed as well as posts containing overly derogatory comments.

A previous P.M. was quite well known for his head in a box. I think they referred to him as "Old squarehead"

Well, this seems like a ridiculous way to protest it, but who knows, maybe it works in Thailand. It does seem like the guy has a point, if the one position is supposed to be independent from the other (you will find this in universities in North America, Europe and many other places in the world, too). News organizations also have their ombudsmen and the like, who are independent enough to make judgments about their writers and editors, and on and on.

I guess I would have to know the particulars of these positions, but it would seem strange for the other guy to gobble up two distinct positions, especially if they are expressly meant to be separate for a reason.

'

"The University Act clearly says that rectors cannot hold political office."

If the Act clearly says that the rector is in violation of it, pursue the matter in a mature and logical manner, not by walking around looking like a fool who is unable to express oneself intelligently. The University should be very embarrassed that they've placed this man in the position of a dean.

OK, it's a curious way of demonstrating his displeasure, but why direct your ire at the Dean? One would have to at least cast a glance at the people who offered the rector the job in the first place. These people are supposed to be in charge of the country. If they, or their "advisors", were not aware of the University Act, it doesn't bode well for the future.

And this is just the Mahidol University, the acceptance of an NLA post by the rector of the Thammasat University, with their history, is downright disgraceful.

'

"The University Act clearly says that rectors cannot hold political office."

If the Act clearly says that the rector is in violation of it, pursue the matter in a mature and logical manner, not by walking around looking like a fool who is unable to express oneself intelligently. The University should be very embarrassed that they've placed this man in the position of a dean.

OK, it's a curious way of demonstrating his displeasure, but why direct your ire at the Dean? One would have to at least cast a glance at the people who offered the rector the job in the first place. These people are supposed to be in charge of the country. If they, or their "advisors", were not aware of the University Act, it doesn't bode well for the future.

And this is just the Mahidol University, the acceptance of an NLA post by the rector of the Thammasat University, with their history, is downright disgraceful.

Governments in Thailand seem to be ignorant of many laws, or just chose to ignore them when it suits.

'

"The University Act clearly says that rectors cannot hold political office."

If the Act clearly says that the rector is in violation of it, pursue the matter in a mature and logical manner, not by walking around looking like a fool who is unable to express oneself intelligently. The University should be very embarrassed that they've placed this man in the position of a dean.

OK, it's a curious way of demonstrating his displeasure, but why direct your ire at the Dean? One would have to at least cast a glance at the people who offered the rector the job in the first place. These people are supposed to be in charge of the country. If they, or their "advisors", were not aware of the University Act, it doesn't bode well for the future.

And this is just the Mahidol University, the acceptance of an NLA post by the rector of the Thammasat University, with their history, is downright disgraceful.

I suppose they could state that as they will only be in the new position for 1 year is it really a political position in the true sense! They want to do good for the country .. no?

small act of speaking out.

good for the dean.

The dean has a point and is a brave man. Maybe not entirely coincidental that Mahidol got fast track permission to circumvent regulations for a new building project a few weeks ago...

This Dean is arguing from the point of view of conflict of interest and breach of the University Act. Wearing the box on his head may look a silly thing to do, but I am sure he has generated much more media interest and public debate than if he had made a more traditional protest... especially as none of the Deans from other faculties seem brave enough to taken a stance either way.

One thing that puzzles me is whether the Rector will now be drawing two salaries, each of which is meant to cover an important full-time job. If so, he should be doubly condemned. I know the Ministry job is "supposed" to only be for one year. If this is a concern to him, then surely he could have asked for a one-year leave of absence without pay.