Thammasat ban on Nitirat sparks free speech row

LESE MAJESTE

Thammasat University's decision to bar the Nitirat group from using its campuses for activities related to the lese majeste law has sparked a fierce debate over its stance on freedom of expression.

Thammasat rector Somkit Lertpaithoon yesterday defended the university executive committee's decision.

In a message posted on his Facebook page, he said the ban was intended to prevent any incidents which could escalate into violence such as the massacre of left-wing students at Thammasat's Bangkok campus on Oct 6, 1976.

"Many people have expressed disagreement with my decision to prohibit the Nitirat group from campaigning against Section 112 at the university," he posted. "This could be seen as a restriction on free speech. This is understandable.

"But I want you to look at another angle. University executives had to enact this measure out of worry that the situation could escalate into a second Oct 6."

Thammasat's vice-rector Parinya Thewanaruemitkul, however, insisted the university should protect the right to exercise academic freedom and free speech within the law because that is what it has always done.

"I may disagree with the Nitirat group on several issues but its rights should be respected and protected," he said.

An association of five human rights organisations yesterday demanded Thammasat rescind the ban order.

"That the university bans any activity by its own lecturers in the name of the Nitirat group to campaign for the amendment of Article 112 ... is a breach of the objectives prescribed for a state educational institution and noble tradition of a university to promote academic freedom and the right to freedom of expression," the groups said.

Thammasat is a model for the struggle for human rights, freedom, equality and justice. The subjugation of democratic and legal rights is an act against its own spirit, they said.

Meanwhile, King Prajadipok Institute's Society's alumni body yesterday demanded Nitirat call off its campaign and urged Thammasat University to "control the behaviours and actions

[of the group] that has led to division in the country".

The society said Thammasat should "prevent this group of persons from exploiting the university's reputation for their own interest".

If the group doesn't stop their actions, society would respond with measures "from light to drastic".

"This is not about laws, but about the faith," the alumni body said.

Pheu Thai list MP and red shirt co-leader Jatuporn Prompan yesterday urged the Nitirat group to think again about its opposition to the lese majeste law.

Mr Jatuporn said the move could backfire as vested interests who lost the election last year cite its campaign as an excuse to try to overthrow democracy again.

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About the author Writer: Aekarach Sattaburuth & Pakawat Sukpituksaree

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Thammasat ban on Nitirat sparks free speech row