Chulalongkorn University Cancels Book Launch After Military Pressure
PUBLISHED: 23 Sep 2024 at 16:30
Chulalongkorn University has cancelled a scheduled seminar and book launch regarding the influential role of the military in Thailand. The event, which was to feature a work by renowned academic Puangthong Pawakapan, will now take place at the Jim Thompson Museum after the university executives prohibited its hosting on campus.
In a recent social media post, Puangthong expressed her disappointment, stating that the faculty dean had informed her of the denial without providing a clear rationale. Despite the venue change, she emphasized that the event continues to receive support from the International Relations Department and labeled the cancellation a threat to academic freedom.
The seminar will introduce the Thai edition of Puangthong’s award-winning work titled “Infiltrating Society: The Thai Military’s Internal Security Affairs,” which originally appeared in English, published by a prestigious institution in 2021. The Thai version is printed by Same Sky Books.
This publication is a result of a comprehensive two-year research project recognized with awards from both the university and an international magazine.
The decision to relocate the event comes shortly after the Internal Security Operations Command criticized her previous work, suggesting that it lacked the necessary qualifications and expertise on security matters.
In response to the military’s objections, Puangthong highlighted that her research has undergone rigorous peer review and called for an open dialogue rather than suppression of discourse.
The upcoming forum will feature prominent speakers, including Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, known for his strong opposition to military interventions in politics, alongside political expert Prajk Kongkirati from another notable institution.
