Stephen Hawking invited to lecture in Thailand

[ballpoint]

How would you feel as a world famous scientist who has spent decades researching and solving some of the most complex and enigmatic issues in the universe if you were invited by a basic education commission? Flattered or insulted?

It's far more insulting than that. He's being invited because he is a man with a degree or two in a wheelchair.

​His eminence as a scientist and thinker are secondary.

There must be thousands of disabled scientists that would be suitable.

And why was he invited to open the London Paralympics in 2012? Was it because of his brilliant mind, or was it because he's in a wheelchair? Maybe it was a mix of the two? His comments seemed to reflect that: "I was delighted and honoured to be in the Ceremony. It was a real pleasure to welcome the Paralympic athletes to London for such a special event. To use this stage to show the world that regardless of differences between individuals, there is something that everyone is good at, is very important". This was an event for disabled athletes. Imagine what a role model he is for disabled scientists. Yes, even at the basic level.

Knowing what he's like, he would not be offended in the least by this invitation, but will probably feel regret at not being able to accept it.

[metisdead]

Please use discretion in your references to the government. Phrases which can be considered as anti-coup will be removed. Referring to Thailand or the government as a dictatorship, military dictatorship or other such terms will be removed.

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Edit: A post commenting on moderation has been removed.

[jlwilliamsjr18]

This is B.S...no way would he or his people allow him to be used as pawn to legitimize the present condition. I am willing to eat my words if I'm wrong, though it's doubtful.

[NCC1701A]

just got my daily laugh. thanks Thailand.

[Basil B]

Maybe he will be explaining Black Holes and where all the pledged rice and money went...

[culicine]

Get Sheldon instead. He can fake it well enough. Appearances are that all that matter anyway.

If he knew how the disabled / disadvantaged / SEN students were treated here, he'd probably turn the offer down anyway.

[baboon]

Even if he were in a position to accept, how much interest would there really be?

[HeijoshinCool]

How would you feel as a world famous scientist who has spent decades researching and solving some of the most complex and enigmatic issues in the universe if you were invited by a basic education commission? Flattered or insulted?

It's far more insulting than that. He's being invited because he is a man with a degree or two in a wheelchair.

​His eminence as a scientist and thinker are secondary.

There must be thousands of disabled scientists that would be suitable.

.

Apparently not too insulted ….

http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2014/12/02/stephen-hawking-wants-to-play-bond-villain/?intcmp=features

[metisdead]

A post containing derogatory and denigrating comments has been removed.

[Seastallion]

How would you feel as a world famous scientist who has spent decades researching and solving some of the most complex and enigmatic issues in the universe if you were invited by a basic education commission? Flattered or insulted?

It's far more insulting than that. He's being invited because he is a man with a degree or two in a wheelchair.

​His eminence as a scientist and thinker are secondary.

There must be thousands of disabled scientists that would be suitable.

And why was he invited to open the London Paralympics in 2012? Was it because of his brilliant mind, or was it because he's in a wheelchair? Maybe it was a mix of the two? His comments seemed to reflect that: "I was delighted and honoured to be in the Ceremony. It was a real pleasure to welcome the Paralympic athletes to London for such a special event. To use this stage to show the world that regardless of differences between individuals, there is something that everyone is good at, is very important". This was an event for disabled athletes. Imagine what a role model he is for disabled scientists. Yes, even at the basic level.

Knowing what he's like, he would not be offended in the least by this invitation, but will probably feel regret at not being able to accept it.

Big difference.

He was at the opening of the paraolympics as a celebrity disabled person.....here he is invited as a scientist, whose biggest qualification for the invite is that he's disabled.

[Shaunduhpostman]

Thailand the hub of cutting edge advanced physics.

[grumbleweed]

Maybe he will be explaining Black Holes and where all the pledged rice and money went...

Looks like someone else is fed up of TAT winning the wacko of the week award every week. One of the greatest minds that ever lived is probably falling out of his chair at these buffooons.

Black holes he could no doubt explain while doing The Times crossword, but I think more than a few fuses would blow if you asked him to explain the rice pledging scheme

[taony]

How would you feel as a world famous scientist who has spent decades researching and solving some of the most complex and enigmatic issues in the universe if you were invited by a basic education commission? Flattered or insulted?

It's far more insulting than that. He's being invited because he is a man with a degree or two in a wheelchair.

​His eminence as a scientist and thinker are secondary.

There must be thousands of disabled scientists that would be suitable.

And why was he invited to open the London Paralympics in 2012? Was it because of his brilliant mind, or was it because he's in a wheelchair? Maybe it was a mix of the two? His comments seemed to reflect that: "I was delighted and honoured to be in the Ceremony. It was a real pleasure to welcome the Paralympic athletes to London for such a special event. To use this stage to show the world that regardless of differences between individuals, there is something that everyone is good at, is very important". This was an event for disabled athletes. Imagine what a role model he is for disabled scientists. Yes, even at the basic level.

Knowing what he's like, he would not be offended in the least by this invitation, but will probably feel regret at not being able to accept it.

But was he invited to the paralympics and it then was announced in the press or was he invited through the press along with a lovely quote "I wonder if he could get on a plane and make it here"?

[ChiangraiTony]

If by chance he accepted Thailand's invitation on the basis of setting a positive example for people with disabilities, maybe his talk could include the 'Black Hole' facts, and not theory about how Thailand, now heading into 2015, treats the disabled. In every category, from disabled parking assignments to wheelchair access in the workplace and elsewhere around the cities within the entire country. Yes, Stephen Hawking is a legend. Maybe he could influence the minds of Thailand with his unique talents and the way he communicates with the world. Maybe if the people would listen to his words when he says that Thailand could and should do a lot more to provide assistance to help make the lives of the disabled a little bit easier. Oh sorry! My alarm clock just woke me. What was I talking about?

[Tokay]

as Thailand is a leader in special education in Asean

What alternate reality do these people live in?

The stats are out there, Thailand is among the bottom of the list for ASEAN and the rest of the world.

Where I grew up, "special education" meant learning disability. So perhaps they are on the money after all.

[NCFC]

If he came to Thailand would he get a leg over?

[Norvid]

This shall be the biggest scientific event in Thailand 2015. Hopefully translation and scientific support will be there and the public chosen from the crowd ready to understand and absorb modern scientific concepts and related philosophical implication on real life.

[bangon04]

People here barely have the ability to comprehend an average intelligent person...now they want the brain of all brains to lecture here...Dr H is above and way beyond what anyone here could possibly comprehend

Maybe his speech synthesiser can be programmed to auto-translate his more advanced theories on the cosmos and thoughts into Isaan speak....

[vogie]

You know I hate it when people says that David Beckham is thick, nobody mentions that Stephen Hawkin is sh!te at football.

[casindonet]

Can the thais take it if he reveals that Thailand is not the center of the universe & the thais are not a super human race?

[cgphuket]

I can see the headline: Hawking visits Thailand, cumlative I.Q. of the country doubles for 3 days.

[Jim walker]

Stephen Hawkins is one of the finest brains on the planet he will be well matched with the brain power of the Thai intellectual soldier generals sure they will ask him a few tough questions that will have even his brain struggling for answers. Like why so many police are corrupt in Thailand, and can science answer it.

[Thongkorn]

Professor Hawking is the most underestimate British scientist of all time. He was put in a home for people with mental disabilities for years. He said the only musical he could develop was his brain. The rest is history.

[chooka]

OBEC invites Stephen Hawking to Thailand

By Digital Content

BANGKOK, Dec 3 -- Thailand's Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC) has invited world-renowned scientist Stephen Hawking who has researched and written on the universe and time to speak to an ASEAN special education fair in late July 2015.

Stephen William Hawking, 73, is a theoretical physicist and cosmologist who suffers from a motor neuron disease. He communicates with a speech synthesizer.

OBEC Secretary-General Kamol Rodklai said the invitation was underway and that he assigned the Bureau of Special Education to organize the fair grandly, as Thailand is a leader in special education in ASEAN and education specialists from many countries would come to inspect special education here.

Payom Chinnawong, director of the Bureau of Special Education, said if Mr Hawking accepts the invitation, he would change attitudes towards education for people with disabilities and underprivileged children, as he could move only his eyes but has become a world-renowned scientist.

Mr Payom said he wondered if the Mr. Hawking's medical condition of Mr Hawkin would limit his ability to travel to Thailand.

The Office of the Basic Education Commission is also inviting Howard Gardner, a psychologist at Harvard University, to the same fair (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2014-12-03

Thanks for that saved me go ogling to see who this guy is. Never heard of him before.

[kaorop]

They are still waiting on Carl Sagans reply.

[trianglechoke]

How about inviting Hilter to speak about organization and discipline?

I seem to see LOADS of t-shirts supporting Hilter in BKK

[spidermike007]

Hawking coming to Thailand to speak about the universe would be a very positive thing. Many of my more intelligent friends here do not know much about the universe. They know it is there, as they can see it at night, but in terms of discussing it with them, I have not had much luck with that. I realize I do not run into alot of Thai intellectuals. But, it would be a refreshing conversation to have. He might open alot of young minds, and that would be a great thing. He is a great man, and having him speak here would be a great honor for the country, and its people.

[noahvail]

From the news article: Mr Payom said he wondered if the Mr. Hawking's medical condition of Mr Hawkin would limit his ability to travel to Thailand.

For quantum's sake, man, it was only a couple of years ago that the good Doctor rode the vomit comet to get the experience of being in zero-G. With him was Sir Richard Branson, who has already paid his space company for a ticket for Stephen Hawking on the first passenger flight, seated right next to Branson.

So I don't think it's his medical condition but the lack of infrastructure for the disabled that might prevent him from coming to Thailand.

Although, if he's anything like Feynman, he'd rent a handicapped access van and head off to Soi Cowboy.

[fey]

As stated by others, they would have to build ramps for his wheelchair. I don't think he would come here but if Thailand was really a leader for disabled in Asia he might consider perhaps. Thailand is however far from a leader for the disabled. Wheelchair access is scarce and you would have trouble competing with the motorbikes for sidewalk space if you could get access.

This is one country I would not want to live or visit if I was disabled... For sure !

thailand is a virtual obstacle course for thr disabled. even getting one block would be troubling.

that said, where are the disabled in thailand? saw a couple begging but they dont seem to be present at all like you see in other places like the usa for example. i wonder why? anyone out there know where the disabled and handi-capable are in thailand?

[Neeranam]

I think I'll invite him to visit my house too, although I think he's mistaken in many of his theories, I might be able to get him to see the light.