A mind for democracy
Re: "Potential clash of election, university tests alarm educators", (BP, Oct 25).
I am not sure what the conflicts are about university exams and the date of elections? What value do Thai elections have if students are not able to participate?
Voters in any democracy are easily manipulated by fears and smears. There has never been a democracy-loving country in Asean. The region has been in the grip of autocratic regimes and armies for centuries. People who believe in individual freedom and human rights are a minority and always have been. Unfortunately, this also includes young students. Just look at how everyone doubts the value of pending elections in Thailand. In a country where coups have become the norm, it would be hard for these powerful entities to align in favour of democracy.
In Thailand, for young people to vote their way to creating a civil society is not an easy path. There simply are not enough young people who share these values. In reality, most Thai people have little or no values that can force the creation of a democratic society. The educational system and other allied agencies have failed to cultivate the values needed for creating democracy. Even after 22 or more coups, the majority simply react to their surroundings largely controlled by a powerful alliance of legacy institutions, the elite, the military and the police. Politicians are like seasonal arrivals who are dethroned, jailed or exiled.
In Thailand, for a sustained change and to build a government that respects individuals' rights and freedoms, changes need to happen election after the election. Young students should lead the change. For that to happen, all university exams must be rescheduled in favour of elections.
KULDEEP NAGI