A woman proudly hoists a placard bearing the message, “Vote for change, not to be dissolved,” as she joins a throng of supporters rallying at the Move Forward Party (MFP) headquarters in Bangkok. The scene is electric as they await the Constitutional Court’s verdict on August 7. Among the crowd, a wave of student activism is also surging, lighting the fuse for an intense campaign against two notable Constitutional Court judges, who double as guest lecturers at prominent universities. (Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb)
The ripple effect of this political tremor reached the esteemed campuses of Thammasat and Chulalongkorn universities. In reaction to the court’s contentious ruling that led to the MFP’s dissolution, student activists swiftly launched campaigns against the judges involved. Last Saturday, an open letter from the Thammasat University Student Council Rangsit Campus and the Faculty of Law’s student committee materialized on social media, galvanizing law students to sign a petition calling for the dismissal of Udom Rathamarit, a Constitutional Court judge and guest lecturer. Their grievances? A failure to exemplify judicial integrity and an embarrassing disconnect between his interpretation of the constitution and his own academic teachings.
The plan is in motion: tomorrow, these signatures will find their way to the dean of Thammasat’s Faculty of Law.
Over at Chulalongkorn University, the activism spirit burns just as brightly. The Student Council reached out to Jiraniti Havanon, another Constitutional Court judge who moonlights as a special lecturer at their Faculty of Law, inviting him to a live-streamed meeting on their Facebook page at 1pm this Wednesday. The council didn’t mince words in their invitation, expressing concerns that the judges overlooked critical procedural failures by the Election Commission (EC).
The council argued that the principles of dissolution as a last resort and adherence to the Rule of Law were flagrantly violated. They warned that this ruling could spell disaster for the educational caliber of both current and future law students at Chulalongkorn. The stakes are high, and the message is clear.
Meanwhile, Nakarin Mektrairat, president of the Constitutional Court, chose a measured silence in response to the students’ fervent actions and the impending ruling on Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s fate.
In a twist of events, the world of social media and entertainment collided with this political storm. Warner Music Thailand found itself in hot water following a controversial Facebook post. The image, a manipulated photo featuring the Constitutional Court judges with the King’s portraits in the background, ignited public outrage and risked contempt of court and lesa majeste infractions. Scrambling to douse the flames, Warner Music Thailand promptly swapped the inflammatory post for an apology.
In an official statement, Warner Music Thailand emphasized that the rogue employee acted independently, violating the company’s ethical standards. Said employee now faces a disciplinary hearing.
In wrapping up this whirlwind of political and social upheaval, it’s evident that the youth and their digital platforms won’t be silenced. They wield their voices, placards, and keyboards, demanding accountability and championing change. As Thailand stands at this critical juncture, the reverberations of today’s activism may very well shape the nation’s future.
I think it’s disgraceful how these student activists are disrespecting the courts. Who gave them the right to question experienced judges?
Joe, everyone has the right to question our leaders, especially if we feel they’re not upholding the law properly. It’s called democracy.
Democracy also means respecting institutions, though. There’s a fine line between holding people accountable and causing chaos.
Fair point, but it shouldn’t come to this level of public disruption. There are better ways to address grievances.
These judges have a lot to answer for. Student activists are just one part of the populace calling for accountability. We need more scrutiny, not less.
I agree, transparency is key. If judges can’t practice what they preach in their academic roles, they shouldn’t be ruling on constitutional matters.
The issue isn’t just about transparency, it’s about integrity. These judges should hold themselves to higher standards, especially given their positions.
Maybe so, but this kind of public showdown might be more harmful than helpful in the long run.
What’s happening at Thammasat and Chulalongkorn universities is part of a larger global movement. Young people are finding their voices, and it’s about time.
Spot on, Sarah. This isn’t just about these judges; it’s about systemic changes that need to happen everywhere.
Absolutely. It’s inspiring to see the youth get involved and demand better.
Warner Music Thailand made a huge mistake. This incident shows how powerful and potentially dangerous social media can be.
The oversight of procedural failures by the EC is alarming. This isn’t just about student activism; it’s about protecting democratic principles.
Agreed, but should students be the ones spearheading these actions? Where are the established legal institutions?
Who knew student protests could interfere so much in politics? Aren’t they supposed to be studying?
Education isn’t just about books and exams. Being engaged citizens is a crucial part of their development.
Yeah, defending democracy can be just as important as their studies.
Fine, but there needs to be a balance. Activism shouldn’t overshadow their academic commitments.
The letter from Thammasat’s Student Council was a bold move. It takes guts to challenge authority in such a direct way.
It’s interesting how even something like a Facebook post from Warner Music can become so politically charged.
Social media has become a battlefield for political conversation. Companies need to be extra careful.
Yeah, but doesn’t this also show how sensitive and divided society is nowadays?
Being politically aware and active is vital, especially in today’s world. I’m proud of these students for taking a stand.
The fate of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is hanging in the balance. This situation shows just how tumultuous Thai politics has become.
What gets me is the double standard. Judges can make contentious decisions but face little to no immediate consequence. Highlighting their academic roles brings a new layer of accountability.
In a constitutional democracy, judges should be beyond reproach. These allegations of judicial misconduct should be thoroughly investigated.
If the Constitutional Court becomes a place of unchecked power, what does that mean for the future of Thailand?
The vibrancy of Thailand’s youth activism is its greatest hope. Whether or not you agree with their methods, you can’t deny the passion.