The choice of Chitpas Kridakon, the Singha beer heiress and a co-leader of the People’s Democractic Reform Committee (PDRC), to lead an oath-taking ceremony for Chulalongkorn University’s graduation day has sparked controversy.
Ms Chitpas' outspoken ways were a bit too controversial to carry the Bhirombahkdi family name, and now prove too much also for Chulalongkorn University academics. (Photo by Seksan Rojjanametakul)
Academics have boycotted the decision, saying Ms Chitpas is too politically controversial to represent the class.
Chitpas Kridakon, who graduated from Chulalongkorn’s faculty of political science, was asked to attend the ceremony for the department, scheduled to take place on Thursday.
The faculty’s Asst Prof Natthanan Kunnamas and lecturer Jakkrit Sangkhamanee said they would not attend the ceremony as they disagreed with the decision, which was made by a student committee.
They voiced their disagreement on their Facebook pages.
However, Ms Natthanan said they both would perform the duty assigned to them — sending students into the hall before the ceremony.
Criteria for selection to lead the ceremony are based on the person’s academic performance. The chosen person must also be widely accepted by the majority of the graduates.
Ms Chitpas, 29, was one of the key leaders of the PDRC, which staged long-standing protests against the Yingluck Shinawatra government before the military took power on May 22.
She was forced by her family to change her surname from Bhirombhakdhi to her mother’s maiden name of Kridakon last year so she could continue with her political activities.
Ms Natthanan believed Ms Chitpas, a former Democrat MP candidate, does not meet the standard required for ceremony leaders.
“She is still facing a lawsuit,” said Ms Natthanan, referring to the treason charge filed against her and other PDRC leaders by the previous government.
The PDRC is regarded as one of the major factors in widening Thailand’s political conflict, she said.
Neither a member of the PDRC, or its rival the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship, should be chosen to represent the class, especially under the current political climate, Ms Natthanan added.
Mr Jakkrit expressed his disagreement on his Facebook page, saying Ms Chitpas was among the people who increased divisions in the country.
He said Ms Chitpas had made disparaging remarks about the rural poor during the height of the PDRC protests.
Ms Chitpas is alleged to have said that poor people do not understand democracy and one man one vote does not work, though she insists she was misquoted.
“I teach anthropology and I teach my students to respect other human beings. I can’t betray my own words,” Mr Jakkrit said.
Rector Pirom Kamolratanakul said Ms Chitpas was voted for by a student committee using a proper selection process.
The rector said the university has always remained neutral in its political stance, so the decision to choose Ms Chitpas as a representative was not favouring any political camp.
Ms Chitpas could not be reached for comment yesterday. Her assistant said she had no plans to withdraw from the ceremony and confirmed she would attend the event.
Photos on her Facebook page showed Ms Chitpas at a rehearsal of the ceremony on Wednesday.