Academics fight back

Themilitary regime’s heavy-handed reaction to academic criticism is likely to backfire, according to an article on local politics in Matichon Weekly.

Academics have never been able to topple a government, said the article titled “This is a university, not a boot camp”.

“What should have been a non-issue turned into a controversy after the NCPO filed complaints against six university lecturers for violating the coup order banning gatherings of more than five people,’’ the story said.

A breach of the order carries a punishment of up to six months in jail, a fine of up to 10,000 baht or both.

The complaints followed the release of a statement by six academics from various universities on Oct 31, saying universities are not military camps.

Their remarks was in response to government criticism that universities had become “breeding grounds” for anti-coup sentiments, which are detrimental to society.

“The small spark caused by the six academics has taken off following the military regime’s reaction,’’ the article said.

More than 323 academics both inside the country and overseas have now sent a petition to Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha urging him to stop curbing academic freedom.

From six lecturers, the alliance gradually grew nationwide to 323 to 341 and finally 353. The list is still growing even now, said the story.

What the six lecturers are facing is no different from the treatment handed out to editors, columnists and cartoonists. Some journalists have been summoned multiple times for the regime’s “attitude adjustment” sessions.

“Does this reflect the military regime’s tendency to worry too much?’’ the article asked.

Meanwhile, independent academic Chamnarn Chanruang said academics usually do not carry much weight in politics.

“I have to say that pure academic work or activities have never toppled a coup-installed government,’’ Mr Chamnarn said.

In the past, governments that came to power through coups only lost power due to their own failings, he said.

But the authority’s prosecution of academics makes the issue a matter of public interest.

Public scrutiny of the issue will increase the more academics are arrested, Mr Chamnarn said. The military regime’s excessive concern about academic activities is likely to bring more negative results than positive ones, he said.