Conduct code flawed

Re: “Student Union calls on Prayut to scrap new ‘code of conduct’”, ( BP, Aug 18).

I fully agree with the Student Union of Thailand that the Education Ministry’s proposed code of conduct should be scrapped as it treats students as kids requiring babysitting, instead of gradually preparing them to be active, concerned, informed citizens fully able to participate in society.

Bertrand Russell said: “Education should have two objects: first, to give definite knowledge, reading and writing, language and mathematics, and so on; second, to create those mental habits which will enable people to acquire knowledge and form sound judgements for themselves.”

The draft code of conduct won’t help achieve either of the two goals above, eg, preventing students from leaving school premises, clamping down on public displays of affection, or sharing revealing photos on social media. Besides, don’t we already have laws covering the topics concerned?

Education permanent secretary Karun Sakulpradit says that the code’s “end goal is to build a framework which ensures the youth are free from temptations.” But you cannot keep students in a sterile atmosphere, suddenly release them into the real world upon graduation, and expect them to cope.

Instead, follow Russell’s advice, teach them how to analyse, ask probing questions, and be accountable — as exemplified by public figures. For example, we want graduates to be honest. So, when Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon flashes 25 ultraexpensive watches, society, led by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, should show students that even lawmakers must obey the law. Thus as Education Minister Teerakiat Jareonsettasin said in London, Mr Prawit should have resigned from day one, instead of brazening it out. BURIN KANTABUTRA