We need smart debate, not a muzzle

COMMENTARY

Published: 19 Mar 2013 at 00.00
Newspaper section: News

As soon as I learned about the cancellation of the last episode of the programme Tob Jote on the constitutional monarchy by Thai PBS, I thought about one incident.

I was baffled at first because the self-censorship of Tob Jote's final installment of a series of controversial programmes seemed unrelated to the incident that came to mind.

The incident I thought of following the cancellation of Tob Jote was a conversation I had with a former colleague here at the Bangkok Post a long time ago.

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Ian
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Discussion 12 : 25 Mar 2013 at 16.2412
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I discovered very early on that most Thais cannot cope with constructive criticism, no matter how carefully worded it is always seen as a personal attack and not to be tolerated. The lower the status of the criticiser the more intolerable is the criticism. As the monarchy is the highest status in the land then any criticism of such, no matter how constructively intended, becomes by Thai logic totally intolerable and must be punished.
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ATNN
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Discussion 11 : 25 Mar 2013 at 07.1711
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Freedom of speech coupled with an understanding of the responsibility that comes with it is essential to a free and progressive society. However, it is just as important to expose and stand up against those who would couch insidious, divisive agendas behind such freedoms, as it to stand up against those trying to censor our freedoms.
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bennu
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Discussion 10 : 20 Mar 2013 at 01.2110
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Freedom of speech sometimes compensates freedom of thought.
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facts_only
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Discussion 9 : 20 Mar 2013 at 00.329
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The 5th episode of Tob Jote was released and can be seen on youtube.

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly...True peace is not merely the absence of tension: it is the presence of justice." - Martin Luther King, 16 April 1963
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rossaya
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Discussion 8 : 19 Mar 2013 at 23.348
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Disc 1. debates are to exchange ideas and make evolute a society. I largely doubt that the goats have some debates. Maybe cause they are all goats and respect each over.
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siamitude
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Discussion 7 : 19 Mar 2013 at 20.537
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Ploydonut disc#1 Maybe you should consider a job with the Thai army... i believe you would get on very well with Gen Prayuth.
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raimund
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Discussion 6 : 19 Mar 2013 at 14.486
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I am watching Thai PBS every day. It is the best channel for me.
D1 Thai from Togo, if we would have more debate Thailand would be in a better shape.If Yingluck would have had a debate with Abhisit before the election, I am sure people would have seen a clear picture of the puppet on a Thaksin string.
Debate is not to shout but exchange different opinions in a polite matter.
If you watch Thai soap operas you can see a lot of your "debating" in there (shouting and fighting).
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barryw
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Discussion 5 : 19 Mar 2013 at 09.195
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'He said no news is worth more than the safety of the people who cover it.' Actually, exactly the opposite is true. Coping out is easy. Exposing the truth, no matter what the personal cost, is what real journalism is all about. Turning a blind eye is not.
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rebel4ever
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Discussion 4 : 19 Mar 2013 at 08.214
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Disc 1: As Voltaire said: 'Although I totally dislike your arguments, I will fight to death that you can say it'. And I fully, wholeheartedly agree with him. However, in your case: I give up.
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wangsuda
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Discussion 3 : 19 Mar 2013 at 05.533
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"If Thais can't discuss anything with a measure of rationality, can't reconcile freedom of expression with respect for traditional institutions, or draw the line between constructive criticism and defamation, where will the country go?"
Right down the toilet, with the upper 1% on both sides of the divide reaping the profits. It's happening already.
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