A seminar poised to introduce the Thai version of the thought-provoking book “Infiltrating Society: The Thai Military’s Internal Security Affairs” authored by the eminent Puangthong Pawakapan, has been compelled to relocate off-campus by Chulalongkorn University after encountering pressure from the military. (Photo: Same Sky Books Facebook account)
Initially planned to be held at Chulalongkorn University, the seminar and book launch, showcasing a work penned by one of its own distinguished scholars, has been shifted. Puangthong Pawakapan, a revered academic in the Political Science Faculty, disclosed the unexpected twist in a heartfelt Facebook post on Monday. She shared that the seminar, which was scheduled for Friday, will now take place at the Jim Thompson Museum, much to the chagrin of many who anticipated a session on security and the burgeoning power of the armed forces.
“Last week, the faculty dean informed me that university executives have decided against permitting any venue at Chula for the launch of ‘Infiltrating Society: The Thai Military’s Internal Security Affairs’ without providing a coherent explanation,” Puangthong explained in her post.
She further conveyed that despite the shift in location, the event continues to enjoy support from the International Relations Department. Nevertheless, she lambasted the university’s decision, deeming it a formidable threat to academic freedom.
The forthcoming event on Friday will unveil the Thai edition of Puangthong’s critically acclaimed book, which mirrors its English counterpart published by the prestigious Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore in 2021. The Thai rendition has been brought to life by Same Sky Books.
This significant publication is the fruit of a rigorous two-year research project, meriting accolades in 2023 from the university and receiving commendation from Foreign Affairs magazine in 2022.
The faculty acknowledged Puangthong’s impressive achievement on May 24 through a congratulatory message on its Facebook page.
The sudden change of venue follows closely on the heels of a sharp reprimand from the Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc) on September 14. In a scathing pre-launch commentary, Isoc criticized Puangthong, baselessly claiming she lacks qualifications and expertise in security affairs.
Isoc vociferously called for the prohibition of the book and any related forums, arguing they could foment “public misunderstanding and tarnish the image of the armed forces.” They went so far as to threaten legal action against Puangthong, urging the university to investigate her ethical conduct.
Undaunted, Puangthong riposted in a subsequent Facebook post, asserting that her research and publication had undergone meticulous scrutiny by experts in Thai politics, the military, and security from an impressive array of international institutions. She boldly invited Isoc to send representatives to the upcoming forum to engage in a public exchange of views rather than resorting to censorship and legal threats to stifle open discussion.
The forum promises an engaging lineup, featuring speakers such as Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, co-founder of the now-disbanded Future Forward Party, and Prajk Kongkirati from Thammasat University’s Political Science Faculty. Both speakers are renowned and outspoken critics of military coups and the armed forces’ political meddling. The event is anticipated to be a vibrant exchange of sharp intellects and earnest perspectives, advocating for transparency and the sanctity of academic freedom.
This is a blatant attack on academic freedom! Chulalongkorn University should be ashamed for bowing to military pressure.
I agree. Universities should be bastions of free thought and debate, not mouthpieces for the government or the military.
But what if the content really does harm national security? There has to be some limits, right?
This only proves Puangthong’s point about military overreach. Why is the military so scared of a book?
Usually when someone is afraid of something, it’s because it contains truths they don’t want exposed.
Maybe the military is just trying to prevent misinformation. Not everything is a conspiracy.
The military has no place in academia. Why do they feel the need to control everything?
Because they fear losing their grip on power. They can’t handle criticism.
Actually, the military has always had a role in Thai politics. This isn’t exactly new.
That doesn’t make it right. Academia should challenge power, not be ruled by it.
Props to Puangthong for standing her ground! We need more scholars like her who are not afraid to speak truth to power.
Absolutely, her bravery is commendable. Will be interesting to see how this plays out at the Jim Thompson Museum.
I hope more people show up at the new venue just to spite the military’s attempt at censorship.
Honestly, the military’s response just makes them look guilty and desperate.
I can’t believe an institution as prestigious as Chulalongkorn would cave so easily. What message are they sending to their students?
They’re sending the message that truth and intellect come second to power and control. Such a shame.
Exactly. It’s a lesson in cowardice, not courage.
This is why academic freedom is so important. Without it, we would never be able to challenge the status quo and grow as a society.
Academic freedom is the cornerstone of a civilized society. It’s sad to see it being eroded like this.
Why doesn’t the university stand up for their professor? Don’t they have any integrity?
Kudos to Puangthong for inviting the military to the forum. Let’s see if they have the guts to show up and defend their actions.
I’m not familiar with Thai politics, but this situation sounds very worrying. How common is military intervention in academia?
Unfortunately, it’s more common than you’d think. The military has a strong influence over many institutions in Thailand.
It’s been this way for decades. The military just can’t seem to get out of civilian affairs.
What a disgrace. This is supposed to be an institution of learning, not a puppet for the military.
The university’s decision is deeply disappointing. It’s a sad day for academic freedom.
Classic case of shoot the messenger. Instead of addressing concerns, they want to silence the person bringing them up.
I’m sure the seminar will be even more impactful now that it has this added controversy.
Who would want to study at a university that doesn’t protect its scholars? This is a PR disaster for Chulalongkorn.
Future students will definitely think twice before applying. This is just bad all around.
I really hope other universities speak out in support of Puangthong. It’s important she knows she’s not alone.
It would be great if they did, but sadly, many might be too scared themselves.
Why would the military even care about this book if it wasn’t hitting a nerve? There’s probably a lot of truth in what she’s saying.
Exactly! If it were baseless, they would just ignore it. The overreaction says it all.
This should be a wake-up call to everyone about the state of academic freedom in Thailand.