Scholars condemn Somsak’s dismissal



BANGKOK: -- A group of Thai studies scholars in the United States issued a statement yesterday condemning the dismissal of a leading historian Dr Somsak Jeamteerasakul by Thammasat university saying it was an example of alignment between the National Council for Peace and Order and Thammasat University.

The group who claimed to have support from 238 scholars, writers, and thinkers from 19 countries worldwide called for justice for the historian, and also called on Thammasat University and all universities in Thailand to take an active and leading role in support of academic freedom and freedom of expression in a broad sense.

In its statement which it said will be read at the Human Rights and Everyday Governance in Thailand at Harvard University on March 6, it said “To think differently is not a crime. If one cannot do so within the walls of the university, spaces of learning and the pursuit of truth, then the space to do so outside those walls will dwindle as well.”

It sought justice for Dr Somsak reasoning that he has been a lecturer in the Department of History and has trained and inspired many students at Thammasat University.

As a public intellectual, he has produced a significant body of work in modern Thai history that has impacted and challenged Thai society beyond the walls of the university. His critical stance has made those in power uncomfortable, and in 2011 he faced alleged lèse majesté charge.

It said in February 2014, there was an attempt on his life when armed gunmen shot at his house and car with automatic weapons. Concerned about his life and liberty following the May 2014 coup, Dr Somsak fled the country.

He was subsequently summoned to report by the junta, and when he did not, the NCPO issued a warrant for his arrest.

In December 2014, he submitted his resignation. However, rather than accept his resignation, Thammasat University fired him instead, the statement said.

“We stand in solidarity with our colleagues who note that, at the very least, Dr Somsak Jeamteerasakul should be permitted to appeal the decision by Thammasat University to summarily dismiss him. In addition, he should be permitted to fight any legal charges against him in the civilian criminal court, not the military court,” it said.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/scholars-condemn-somsaks-dismissal


-- Thai PBS 2015-03-05

Anyone else feels the urge for a sandwich?

Anyone else feels the urge for a sandwich?

I simply cannot eat at the moment - I am absolutely devastated!!!!

Search for and read his blog. I did. Use online translation if you need to.

He won't be back.

So he's not turning up for work.

And he's now been fired.

And that's a bad thing?

He was subsequently summoned to report by the junta, and when he did not, the NCPO issued a warrant for his arrest.

In December 2014, he submitted his resignation. However, rather than accept his resignation, Thammasat University fired him instead, the statement said.

This kind of stuff is all very sad and depressing for the direction in which Prayut and the Junta are taking Thailand. I feel very sorry for the real people of this country who, in reality, have no say in how this country will be run. After the CDC, NLA and NRC are done, It just feels like everything will be lined up in favor of the Bangkok elite, yellow shirts or whatever you want to call them.

Sadly, debate is not tolerated in Thailand now.

So he's not turning up for work.

And he's now been fired.

And that's a bad thing?

So he asked for a sabbatical, he asked to be retired and has been fired? Is that a good thing?

So he's not turning up for work.

And he's now been fired.

And that's a bad thing?

Well actually, if he turned up for work, he would be arrested for a ridiculous law which in turn would mean he didn't turn up for work.

So he's not turning up for work.

And he's now been fired.

And that's a bad thing?

He offered his resignation and they refused it and then fired him so he gets no pension. It was sly sneaky and evil.

The norm here in Thailand for the Thai people is to sit back with mouth closed. Any attempt to speak out is to jeopardize your freedoms.

As a scholar, and an open minded person, he should of realized this a long time ago. So now what?.........go to your local pub, close, or better yet lock the door, and chat your greevences to the peanut gallery guzzling their careless lives away....burrrp...