In 2022, Thammasat University was still a place for a neutral platform and safe space for discussion and dialogue. Different political stakeholders can come together and discuss challenges. Moreover, the university hosts a platform where sensitive issues in Thai society can be discussed.
Among all faculties, the Faculty of Political Science and the Faculty of Sociology and Anthropology were organizing seminars on political and other sensitive issues with diverse panellists.
The next election, what is next for Thailand?: November 17, 2022
This seminar, The next election, what is Next for Thailand?, organized on November 17, was about the prospect of the next election and the future of Thailand. The panellists consist of politicians from liberal and conservative parties. For the liberal parties, the panellists were Nattawut Saikua from the Pheu Thai Party and Parit Watcharasintu from the Move Forward Party. From the conservative parties, the panellists were Suchatchavee Suwansawas from the Democrat Party and Atthawit Suwannaphakdee from the Chart Pattana Kla Party party.
Is violence the answer to Thailand’s political conflict?: October 31, 2022
This seminar, Is violence the answer to Thailand’s political conflict?, organized on October 31, concerns the incidences of violence in Thai politics, for instance, how the government deals with protestors, cyber-bullying towards the supporters of Lese Majeste Law amendment, and the violence towards those filing lawsuits against the liberal parties. The panellists discussed if this is just an individual’s behaviour or a structural and cultural problem in Thai politics and what is the proper way of dealing with and responding to such violence.
The panellists include political science scholars from Thammasat University and political activists.
- Pannika Wanich, Former Future Forward MP, and a key member of the Progressive Movement.
- Panusaya Sithijirawattanakul, a Thai student political activist and university student leader who is also the spokesperson of the Student Union of Thailand.
- Ngamsuk Rattanasatian, Institute of Human Rights and Peace Studies, Mahidol University
- Chayanit Poonyarat, Faculty of Political Science, Thammasat University
- Boonlert Visetpricha, Faculty of Sociology and Anthropology, Thammasat University
