2 weeks Ago
Less than two weeks into office, the Paetongtarn Shinawatra government is being questioned about its sincerity and commitment to academic freedom. This crucial questioning has arisen after the Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc) attempted to ban a book authored by Assoc Prof Puangthong Pawakapan, a lecturer at Chulalongkorn University's Political Science Faculty, which brings to public attention the military arm's enormous power and extensive surveillance of civilian affairs. In a bid to debunk it, Isoc spokesperson Maj Gen Winthai Suvaree complained that the book, In the Name of Internal Security, contains "disinformation that tarnishes the agency's image".
He accused the academic of bias and not having "enough knowledge" about security matters as her teaching subjects at the university do not cover security. The Isoc spokesperson's blatant accusation is astounding, given the fact that the book, which is available in English and Thai as well as e-book form, is an adaptation of the lecturer's award-winning research. The book touches on an issue that needs debate -- the role and relevancy of the Isoc -- which originated decades ago to fight against communism, in modern times, with a lavish budget yet somewhat questionable information operations (IO) against anti-government activists.
Regardless, the public outcry prompted the Isoc to make an about-face, denying it had sought a ban and saying it merely aimed to "ask for cooperation that the book was not put on sale". While softening its tone, this could be seen as censorship. Maj Gen Winthai must realise that as a state agency using vast sums of taxpayers' money, the Isoc must be open to public scrutiny.
Since 2004, half a trillion baht has been spent on boosting security in the deep South. It's an equally, if not bigger, disappointment that Ms Paetongtarn, as head of the Isoc, has been quiet about this. Her silence unmistakably implies her endorsement of censorship, which, while unacceptable, comes as no surprise.
On Aug 27, the government approved a decree that will enable the authorities to curb academic freedom for the sake of ethics. Under this controversial decree, there will be a panel tasked with scrutinising all research proposals to ensure they do not breach ethical rules with regard to religions, cultures, beliefs, traditions and societal norms. The controversial decree was proposed by the Council of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation.
Any research deemed inappropriate will have to be halted. One major problem of the decree, which will take effect after it receives royal approval, is that it allows for the broad use of ethics as a way to control academics and researchers. In short, this is censorship, which is unhealthy for academic development and education as a whole.
Indeed, thinking outside the box must be encouraged for the sake of education. A classic example is Galileo, whose ancient studies of the universe confirmed the earth is spherical, not flat. It was considered blasphemy by the Roman Catholic Church at the time.
It's baffling how Pheu Thai, which brands itself as a "progressive" party, and Ms Paetongtarn can support censorship, as in the case of the Isoc and the decree. The government has a moral obligation to shelve this law. As for the Isoc book, the public should decide for themselves.
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