It is becoming a harsh reality that my children will grow up in an authoritarian society like I did in the 1970s.
A look at their textbooks on history and civic duties, which focus on the elites and the monarchy as well as Thailand not falling to imperialism and that patrimonial rule are familiar because it's the same theme that I learned some 40 years ago.
The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) which staged the May 22 coup has instructed educators at all levels to adopt a "selective history" with emphasis on the country's past glories.
The military regime has intensified the ideology of nation, religion and monarchy which was heavily employed by the state during the fight against communism.
At a time when Thailand needs to boost creative/critical-thinking and embrace the digital-technology economy amid fierce regional and global competition, is teaching students about our nation's past glories the right way to go?
Children nowadays are taught to prioritise duty over critical thinking as schools have embraced the 12 core values in their curriculum for the second semester.
For the next school term, teachers are to place more emphasis on discipline, morality and patriotism.
Signs highlighting the 12 main values for Thais are everywhere, along the main streets, on school walls, as well as at government buildings.
The boy/girl scouts and the Red Cross Youth curriculum will also get special sessions of these core values in the next semester.
Undeniably, the 12 values do have merit as they promote honesty, patience and good thoughts for society, gratitude to parents, guardians and teachers, perseverance in learning, and conservation of Thai culture.
But I have some questions about the core values.
My first query is, by highlighting Thai culture, is there space for ethnic cultures like Melayu Muslims?
I also want to know how the part concerning the sufficiency economy will be efficiently applied, given socio-economic disparity and the income gap in our society?
How can the military regime push for fair income distribution?
On democracy, "the correct understanding of constitutional democracy", is stated as one of the 12 values, but how do we teach our children this political system in this day and age?
It's ironic that while the junta-appointed charter drafting body is beginning its work, Buri Ram has lost its democracy monument which features a replica of the constitution, as town officials want the space for traffic lights.
The large monument was constructed some 80 years ago to mark the 1932 revolution in which our political system was changed from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy.
The locals explained that the replica will be moved to the old provincial hall.
The fact is we will now see more and more lese majeste cases, while the draconian martial law has also created a climate of fear from academia to social activists and the general public alike.
Critics of lese majeste are right to express concerns about the way ultra-royalists can easily lodge complaints.
Arcane interrogation of alleged lese majeste suspects, particularly no bail for the accused, worries those working to amend the Penal Code's Section 112.
Under the current climate, another assistant professor Yukti Mukdavijitra of Thammasat University's anthropology faculty, has joined others in seeking political refuge in a foreign country.
He is one of the key proponents of the Section 112 amendment.
There is another interesting move: there was an idea in the charter-drafting council on reinstating apiratamontri (advisory council ministers) which was used by King Rama VII in his brief absolute monarchy reign.
The council would be a supra-constitutional body balancing all three key institutions — legislative, executive and judiciary. The idea was shot down.
Still, it is certain that direct democracy will be compromised, and there will be a few selected/nominated in our political system with the big task of dictating the future of the people.
Will this guided democracy answer the diverse needs of a modern world? I don't think so.
Those who entertain the idea of a supra-constitutional body should realise that their choice is opposite to the global trend that sees the waning of aristocracy.
The fate of democracy in Thailand is a serious concern for all Thais and we have a duty to voice our views to prevent the demise of democracy.
Achara Ashayagachat is Senior News Reporter, Bangkok Post.