#ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

Ex-rights chief backs protests, warns govt loyalists against misreading their intention

PoliticsAug 16. 2020Angkhana Neelapaijit, a former commissioner at the National Human Rights Commission

By The Nation

Local human rights experts have warned a rival group against misinterpreting student protesters’ demands for reforms to the monarchy.

Angkhana Neelapaijit, a former commissioner at the National Human Rights Commission, posted on her Facebook page expressing her support for the basic right to freedom of speech and expression.

Protesters from the Free Thai group start to gather at Democracy Monument in Bangkok on Sunday afternoon (August 16). (Supakit Khumkun #NationPhoto)

As university and high school students join a campaign for amendment of the Constitution, the dissolving of Parliament and stopping the government from intimidating its critics, some opponent groups, including some senators, have distorted and misinterpreted the youth’s demands as an attempt to overthrow the monarchy, she said in a post on her Facebook page.

“Such misinterpretation could lead to more violence in Thai society,” she warned.

Her comments come as some politicians, senators and ultra-royalists have accused a10-point manifesto to reform the Palace raised by students at Thammasat University as an attempt to undermine the highest institution. Among 10 proposals to make the institution accountable is a demand for the government to open investigations into suspected forced disappearance of several individuals who had been outspoken against the government and the monarchy since the 2014 military coup. 

Regarding a public debate on the King’s role, Angkhana quoted Eakpant Pindavanija, acting director at Mahidol University’s Institute of Human Rights and Peace Studies, as saying that Thai society should take into account the difference between debating on the King’s role stated in the Constitution and ill-intentioned speech that might insult the King personally. 

Interested people can visit https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=936017076877471 for details of Eakpant’s comments in the Thai language.

She said it was a cause for concern as some groups had threatened the youth protesters with judicial harassment. For example state authorities have stalked the staff of Thai Volunteer Service Foundation and Prachatai.com, a news website, she noted.

She warned police that they should not arrest people during holidays or night time and emphasised that police would not have enough jails to detain people as more and more people would speak out.

Over the past few days, police have arrested three leaders of the protesters — Arnon Nampa, a human rights lawyer, Phanuphong Chatnok, leader of Free Youth in the eastern region, and Parit Chiwarak, best known as “Penguin”, a leader of Thammasat University’s students. The three were charged on several accounts, including sedition. However, the Criminal Court granted them bail.

Angkhana called on the government to follow the advice of the president of the Criminal Court who commented that the court preferred to apply political principles rather than legal tools in dealing with protesters. The president of the Criminal Court made the comment on August 8, the day Arnon and Phanuphong were released on bail.

She also demanded that the government ensure every one were safe and warned that if government used violence against protesters, the government’s legitimacy will come to an end.

“Nobody must not be harmed and there must be no enforced disappearance because of difference of opinion with the government,” she added.

Angkhana’s husband, Somchai Neelapaijit, was abducted 16 years ago and never found.

#ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

Students plan big rally today to push 10-point reform plan for highest institution

PoliticsAug 16. 2020Parit Chiwarak, Thammasat University student leader, is released on bail on Saturday, a day ahead of the planned rally at Democracy Monument in Bangkok.

By The Nation

A student leader vowed to push for their 10-point manifesto to reform the monarchy despite government crackdowns on pro-democracy protesters.

Student activist leader Parit Chiwarak defied police pressure and reiterated that the youth-led protests on Sunday would not drop previous proposals to reform the monarchy despite government authorities trying to block them by using legal harassment.

Parit was arrested on Friday and charged with eight offences, including sedition. However, the Criminal Court granted him bail on condition that he not repeat the alleged offences.

After being released, Parit told reporters that he and student protesters would not back off and would continue to fight for reforms to the palace.

He read a manifesto containing 10 demands to reporters, the manifesto first announced on August 10 at Thammasat University’s Rangsit Campus, that drew both support and criticism in the wider society.

The proposals included annulling Article 6 of the Constitution which prohibits any legal action against the monarch, and scrapping the lese majeste law which shields the King from criticism. They also urged the government to separate the King’s personal wealth from assets under the Crown Property Bureau, which are estimated to be worth many billions of dollars. The manifesto also asked the government to cut the annual national budget of the palace in line with economic conditions, adding that donations for the Royal Family should come to an end. It also proposed an end to one-sided education that praises the royal institution. Protesters also called for investigations into the suspected forced disappearance of individuals who had been outspoken against the monarchy.

Protesters are also demanding transferring back of military units in Bangkok to government agencies, and  revoking the recent emergency law that allows the King to directly oversee the units.

Meanwhile, the monarch should not endorse any coup and should refrain from expressing political views in public, the manifesto said.

Parit reiterated that the students’ proposals were not aimed at toppling the monarchy but to bring the institution within the bounds of democracy and the principle of constitutional monarchy.

The anti-government protest will take place on Sunday at Bangkok’s Democracy Monument, starting at 3pm and ending at 9pm.

Meanwhile, government supporters on Saturday also announced that they would hold a rally at the same place at 11am and will stay there in order to gather evidence for taking legal action against pro-democracy groups. Police have reportedly secured arrest warrants against several key student leaders, while PM Prayut Chan-o-cha has denied that he had ordered the crackdown on pro-democracy protesters.

#ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

32 Pheu Thai MPs vow to stand by student protesters

PoliticsAug 15. 2020

By THE NATION

Several Pheu Thai Party lawmakers pledged to support pro-democracy student protesters and have offered to provide bail in case they are arrested.

Somkid Chuakhong, a Pheu Thai member of Parliament from Ubon Ratchathani and deputy president of the Committee on Administration at the House of Representatives, said on Friday (August 14) that the committee president and Pheu Thai MP from Nakhon Phanom Phaijit Sriworakhan had tasked him with monitoring the protests of pro-democracy students and the public that are taking place in Bangkok, the North and the Northeast regions.

“Myself and 31 other MPs will stand with the protesters to ensure their safety, and will prepare our salary certificates to pay bail money in case any of the protesters are arrested,” he said.

The list of 32 MPs:

Somkid Chuakhong, Kriang Kantinan, Anudit Nakornthap, Chuwit Pitakpornpanlop, Karun Hosakul, Somying Buabut, Jirayu Huangsub, Warasit Kantinan, Aekkachai Songamnatcharoen, Ratthakit Phaleepat, Praphusak Jintawet, Danai Mahiphan, Piyawat Pansaichua, Boonkaew Somwong, Thanakorn Chaisakul, Chanok Janthathong, Saran Timsuwan, Phakawat Srisurapol, Sayam Hatthasongkro, Natthawut Kongjandee, Thassanee Buranupakorn, Ongart Wongprayoon, Phananat Sri-insut, Wan Yubamrung, Anusorn Panthong, Theerarat Samretwanich, Suphaphorn Khongwutpanya, Chirathat Kraidecha, Chakkaphol Tangsuttitham, Wanniwat Somboon, Kitthanya Wajadee, Jiraphorn Sinthuphrai.

#ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

Law scholars back students’ right to protest as another activist arrested

PoliticsAug 14. 2020In parallel with a rally at Chulalongkorn University, Ramkhamhaeng University students hold an anti-government protest at their campus today, calling for Constitutional amendments, dissolution of the military-appointed Senate and other changes. (Wanchai Kraisornkhajit #NationPhoto)

By The Nation

Law academics from two Bangkok universities defended students right to protest today, while a prominent opposition politician reacted to the arrest of another student leader by slamming the PM for breaking his promise to listen to young protesters.

Legal scholars at Thammasat University called on the government to stop using the law to deprive students of their basic right to protest peacefully.

The statement was issued today by 23 lecturers amid rising tension between pro-democracy protesters and state authorities that saw police arrest student activist leader Parit Chiwarak. Police also asked the Criminal Court to cancel bail for Arnon Nampa, a lawyer, and Phanuphong Chatnok, leader of Free Youth in the eastern region, who were arrested last week for rally-related activities.

The Thammasat legal scholars called for tolerance and open debate of competing ideas and ideologies, pointing out Thailand was a multipolar political system. They warned that tension between democracy advocates and conservatives was rising fast.

Every party must seek peaceful solutions to the clash of ideas and ensure violence is prevented, the statement said.

In a democratic society, every party has to accept and protect the basic right to gather peacefully, while state authorities must guarantee safety for people to exercise their rights, it added.

The scholars pointed out that there is no ultimate “good” among the different values held by different groups. Therefore those exercising their basic right to free expression must not degrade values held by others, since this risked turning the conflict into violence.

Meanwhile 14 law scholars from Chulalongkorn University issued a statement today supporting the right of students to rally on campus after Chula administrators denied permission for a protest today. Students defied the administrators and went ahead with the rally.

Over the past few days, a large number of academics and civil society groups have spoken up in support of student political activities following fears of a violent backlash from state authorities and government supporters after the students proposed reforming the monarchy – a taboo topic in Thailand. The opposition Pheu Thai Party has assigned one of its MPs to offer assistance and bail to arrested protesters.

Meanwhile, Chaturon Chaisang, former member of the disbanded Thai Raksa Chat Party and a prominent politician, slammed PM Prayut Chan-o-cha today after police arrested student leader Parit.

In a national televised speech on Thursday, Prayut called for national unity and said the future belonged to the new generation.

“Prayut said he would listen to those who have different opinions from him, but today Penguin [Parit’s nickname] was arrested, which shows that Prayut cannot be trusted,” said Chaturon.

#ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

Thai, overseas academics demand unis protect students, free speech

PoliticsAug 13. 2020Hundreds of academics have signed a joint statement published by the Thai Academic Network for Civil Rights.

By The Nation

More academics are standing up to defend student-led protesters, urging universities to open public space for peaceful debate and solution-seeking as political tension threatens to boil over.

More than 350 academics nationwide and overseas today issued a joint statement calling on universities to permit students to ask questions freely and find solutions for society peacefully. Published today on Facebook by Thai Academic Network for Civil Rights (TANC), the statement had been signed by 356 academics as of press time.

Their move follows a similar statement issued by more than 100 academics yesterday. Academics are worried about safety of youthful protesters after their calls for reform of the monarchy drew sharp criticism from other groups.

“We support freedom of expression and want to ensure the safety of students and pro-democracy protesters protesting peacefully against the government,” said Anusorn Tamajai, chairman of the Pridi Banomyong Institute, adding that more academics would sign the statement.

The statement declares that universities’ role is not only to train people for careers or to follow state orders, but to produce high-quality people for society.

To do this, universities must cultivate students’ ability to ask questions and think freely and critically, it noted.

“Society cannot overcome crises or challenges if its members do not have the abovementioned abilities,” said the statement, pointing out that some only wanted to freeze society or resist change.

“Thai society is facing changes that are unprecedented, therefore universities’ role to produce citizens with the ability to think, question and criticise freely is increasingly important,” it added.

Universities should encourage all citizens to exchange ideas and opinions for the greater good, especially when society was facing a conflict of thinking, belief and ideology, the academics said.

Universities were the best place to allow such free-thinking and critical debate in search of answers, they added.

The statement pointed out that the students’ demands – for the government to stop intimidating its critics, to dissolve Parliament, and to rewrite the junta-sponsored Constitution – were an effort to overcome a political crisis that has persisted for decades.

The 10-point manifesto for monarchy reform delivered at their Thammasat University rally on August 10 was only part of students’ enquiry and efforts to find peaceful solutions for political and social conflicts, it added.

“Therefore, university administrators should not condemn the rally because students went beyond its previously agreed agenda. Administrators should not jump to the conclusion that students’ political speech is inappropriate or unethical, and ban their future activities.”

The statement follows public condemnation of the rally’s leaders by Thammasat University’s administration, which said speakers had not stuck to the agreement to limit their topics to dissolving Parliament, halting government harassment, and rewriting the Constitution.

The TANC academics called on universities, various sectors of society, and the government to take the following three actions.

1. Executives of universities must allow people to hold peaceful political activities on their campuses without fear of unjust penalty. Holding political demonstrations must not be considered an offence since universities have a duty to encourage questioning, criticism and free thinking to find solutions for society. Forcing students to hold activities outside universities’ compounds could put them at risk of violence.

2. Sectors of society must consider students’ demands in good faith, based on their benefit to society, whether they agree with them or not.

They must engage in debate without prejudice to find peaceful solutions for society. They must avoid defaming or make false accusations that provoke hatred among people, potentially triggering violence. And they should not create conditions that allow government officials to act violently against students and others.

3. The government must respect the people’s rights and liberty to express opinions specified in the Constitution and international law.

“Meanwhile, the government must adhere strictly to the rule of law. Authorities must not take legal action against students and others for gathering and expressing their opinions in a peaceful manner. Authorities must ensure public safety and prevent other groups from committing violence against students for expressing critical views about the role of constitutional monarchy and democracy,” added the statement.

It was signed by academics from 39 universities in Thailand and overseas, including Thammasat, Chulalongkorn, Silapakorn, Kasertsat , Chiang Mai, Ramkhamhaeng, Rangsit, Srinakharinwirot, Naresuan, Burapha and Ubon Ratchathani. 

#ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

Sulak defends students’ call for monarchy reform, warns ultra-royalists

PoliticsAug 13. 2020Sulak Sivaraksa

By The Nation

Prominent social critic Sulak Sivaraksa has spoken out to defend students’ right to freedom of expression over their unprecedented 10-point manifesto for reform of the monarchy.

The students’ call for reform does not exceed bounds of what is appropriate, said Sulak.

“The 10 demands are reasonable, since for the monarchy to continue exist, it has to be transparent and open,” he said in an interview with the 101.World Facebook page.

He also called on those in power to listen to protesters’ voices and make changes accordingly, while adding that it would be a bad move to ignore their proposals and attack them.

Thousands of students gathered at Thammasat University’s Rangsit Campus on Monday (August 10) to voice critical opinions about the monarchy. Among their 10 proposals was a call to separate HM the King’s wealth from Crown Property Bureau assets. The former junta government led by PM Prayut Chan-o-cha changed the law to allow the King to directly oversee the Crown Property Bureau. 

Criticising the monarchy in the public is illegal in Thailand under strict royal defamation laws.

Thammasat’s administrators issued an apology and vowed to punish students for straying from the agreed rally agenda, while some politicians accused the protesters of breaking the law and undermining the Palace. However, academics nationwide have defended the right of students and protesters to freedom of expression and urged university administrators to open up space to exchange ideas of public interest.

Sulak cited the Thammasat University massacre of October 6, 1976 as a lesson that using drastic measures against anti-government protesters could lead to more bloodshed. In 1976, police, troops and right-wing militia laid siege to Thammasat’s campus and killed dozens of students who were protesting the return of former dictator Thanom Kittikachorn.  

Sulak cautioned the government would face a public backlash if it cracked down violently against protesters. It should instead listen to their demands or at the very least refrain from launching counterattacks against them, he said.

He also warned of the threat against pro-democracy protesters from ultra-royalists.

“These extreme right-wingers are very dangerous – Pridi Banomyong once noted that this group thought they were the King and, worse, took actions beyond anything the monarch would do,” said Sulak, referring to the former prime minister.

“I want to remind the ultra-royalists that if they are really loyal to the King, they should not see those with different opinions as bad people. They should respect different views,” he added.

He also urged people to offer the youthful protesters moral support and good-intentioned warnings if necessary, but not to blame them if they did not listen since youths had their own unique perspective. “We should remind them to use polite language when they talk about the monarchy. Experience will teach them behave better,” he added.

#ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

Chuan orders interrogation of MPs over extortion allegation

PoliticsAug 13. 2020Sakda Vicheansil

By The Nation

House Speaker Chuan Leekpai has given the greenlight for authorities to question MPs sitting in a panel scrutinising the 2021 budget to uncover the truth behind an alleged Bt5-million bribe demand from Sakda Vicheansil, director general of the Department of Groundwater Resources.

Sakda claimed that an MP had contacted him by phone demanding that he raise Bt5 million in fake documentation for help with the approval of DGR’s Bt1.27 billion budget.

Chuan has instructed Anan Pholamnuay, chief of the budget scrutiny panel, to investigate the case, while he has had his team inform the National Anti-Corruption Commission about the allegation in case it wants to look into the case.

Related story: House committee offers Bt100,000 award for footage of extortion

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‘Prayut 2/2’ Cab gather for group photo, meeting

PoliticsAug 13. 2020Photo Credit: Nation Photo by Tanachai Pramarnpanich

By The Nation

Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha and his 63rd Cabinet called “Prayut 2/2” came together for a group photo before holding a meeting at Government House today (August 13).

Before taking the group picture, several ministers, especially new entrants, gathered in front of the Thai Ku Fah building.

As soon as Deputy Prime Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan arrived and took a seat outside, Anucha Nakasai, Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office, was seen bowing at Prawit’s lap.

Meanwhile, other ministers greeted and congratulated one another.

Anek Laothamatas, Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation.

Predee Daochai, Finance Minister.

Supattanapong Punmeechaow, right, deputy PM and Energy Minister

#ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

Students’ 10-point manifesto does not defame monarchy, say academics

PoliticsAug 12. 2020Thousands join a protest at Thammasat University’s Rangsit campus on Monday (August 10), during which a 10-point manifest was raised on reforming the monarchy.

By The Nation

More than 100 academics nationwide issued a statement on Wednesday (August 12) to voice their support for student protesters who raised a 10-point manifesto on reforming the monarchy in a rally at Thammasat University on Monday.

The academics say the proposal does not undermine the Palace. 

This move comes after some politicians and critics accused the students of violating laws and undermining the monarchy. The academics’ statement stated that the anti-government protesters had raised the subject of the monarchy’s role in the country and proposed amendments to the Constitution to make the country democratic and ensure the status of a constitutional monarchy. 

The statement added that the protesters were sincere and expressed their opinions within their right to freedom of expression as guaranteed by Section 34 of the Constitution. Moreover, it said, their activities are in line with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which is recognised by Thailand.

Academics also expressed their support for the 10-point manifesto to reform the monarchy, with the statement saying: “The 10 proposals do not violate the criminal law in relation to His Majesty, nor does any of the information in the manifesto aim to defame the King. On the contrary, it’s a straightforward proposal that aims to protect the constitutional monarchy and democracy.” 

In the statement, the academics said it was the universities and academic institutions’ responsibility to promote answers that will help society move forward and give the public an open space to exchange ideas that foster public interest. 

“Educational institutions must not avoid or shut the door on freedom of expression. The universities should set an example and teach society to face challenges with patience, which is essential to democracy,” the statement said. 

It said that though there are many different opinions people may not be happy with, they should be tolerated as long as these opinions do not incite violence.  

“Condemning those with different opinions of violating and undermining [some institutions] does not help society advance intellectually, while the value of debate is diminished by hate speech,” the statement said. 

It concluded by saying that academics across the country were signing the statement as they believe protesters had exercised their basic right of freedom of expression guaranteed by the charter and in line with international human-rights laws. It also said that the proposals demand courage in debating sensitive issues. 

“So instead of rejecting the manifesto, Thai society should learn how it can raise the level of tolerance in exchanging reasonable ideas to ensure sustainability of democracy in Thai society,” the statement added. 

As of 7pm on Wednesday, some 130 academics had signed the statement, local media reported. 

More academics will on Thursday join a campaign for students’ right to freedom of expression, an academic told the Nation.

#ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

Protesters up pressure for monarchy debate with 10-point manifesto

PoliticsAug 11. 2020Thousands of pro-democracy demonstrators attend an anti-government protest at Thammasat University’s Rangsit campus on August 10.

By The Nation

Proposals for reform of the monarchy by youth-led protests have met with both praise for their bravery and fierce criticism for touching on a taboo topic in Thai society.

The latest call for debate on the monarchy came on Monday during a rally by more than 2,500 protesters at Thammasat University’s Rangsit Campus in Greater Bangkok.

Most of the participants were students from Thammasat, Mahasarakham University and vocational schools.

Protesters reiterated their demand for Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s government to dissolve Parliament, change the military-sponsored Constitution, and stop using police to crush peaceful protest. They aired the topic of the monarchy in public again after protest leaders raised the issue during two previous gatherings at Bangkok’s Democracy Monument and in Chiang Mai.

Lawyer and activist Anon Nampa, who is out on bail after rally-related charges, took to the stage again to insist that people should be able to question the role of monarchy in public and not be threatened for exercising their right to free speech.

He also suggested the law should not delegate excessive power to the royal family. However, he insisted his proposals were not aimed at overthrowing the monarchy, and called on media to show solidarity with the pro-democracy side.

The Constitution should be amended to abolish the military-appointed Senate, said Anon, suggesting a deadline of December 1 for the 250 senators to leave office.

Pavin Chachavalpongpun, a political academic self-exiled in Japan, appeared via video during the rally to support Anon’s speech and insist that public debate on the monarchy was a good thing.

Phanuphong Chatnok, another activist recently arrested and released on bail, spoke against the threats used by government to intimidate people who voiced opposing opinions. He asked the government to stop stalking and gathering information on critics.

The rally concluded with the reading of a manifesto containing 10 demands.

Among them was a proposal to nullify Article 6 of the Constitution which prohibits any legal action against His Majesty the King, and to scrap the lese-majeste law which shields the King from criticism. They also urged the government to separate the King’s personal wealth from assets under the Crown Property Bureau, which are estimated to be worth many billions of dollars. The manifesto also asked the government to cut the annual national budget of the palace in line with economic conditions, adding that donations for the royal family should come to an end. It also proposed an end to one-sided education that praises the royal institution. Meanwhile, the monarchy should not to endorse any coup and should refrain from expressing political views in public, it said.

Protesters also called for investigations into the suspected forced disappearance of individuals who had been outspoken against the monarchy.

Protest leaders said their proposals were not aimed at toppling the monarchy but to bring the institution within the bounds of democracy and constitutional monarchy.

The protesters have drawn praise from many Thais, especially netizens, for their bravery in standing up to the establishment. However, they have also attracted fierce criticism for airing opinions about the monarchy, which some say could lead to political violence.

Some have also criticised Thammasat administrators for allowing the protest.

Prinya Thaewanarumitkul, vice rector at Thammasat University’s Rangsit campus, apologised via Facebook today over critical comments made about the monarchy at the protest.

The vice rector said students had asked his permission for a rally calling on the government to amend the Constitution, dissolve Parliament, and stop menacing peaceful critics. Prinya said he arranged for organisers to meet with police on August 7 and both sides had agreed to limit the protest to the three topics.

The vice rector said he observed the rally from 7pm to 8pm, when speeches stayed within those bounds, but he learned later that some speakers, especially those not from Thammasat, had talked about the role of monarchy.

He said Thammasat University granted students freedom of speech, but it should be exercised within the law. “Initially, I apologise and accept responsibility for what happened,” he posted on Facebook.

Palang Pracharath MP Pareena Kraikupt today called on Thammasat’s rector  to resign over the rally.

Protest leaders announced they had cancelled a protest originally planned for Lumpini Park tomorrow (Mother’s Day), citing fears over safety, but said to look out for a “surprise”.