Thai Students Demonstrate, Demand Education Minister’s Resignation

Text of report in English by Thai newspaper Bangkok Post website on 4 September

[Report by Sirikul Bunnag: "Students call for Somchai's resignation - education minister's comments backfire"]

Students have called for Education Minister Somchai Wongsawat to quit after he urged them not to take part in political activities.

Photo from Bangkok Post, 4 September. Caption reads: “Fifty students aligned with the People’s Alliance for Democracy protest at the Education Ministry against the comment by Education Minister Somchai Wongsawat that they should steer clear of politics.”

About 50 students from the Makkhawan Demonstration School of Ratchadamnoen university placed a wreath outside the ministry on Ratchadamnoen Nok avenue yesterday.

A message on the wreath reads: “In memory of the education minister, who has died in the hearts of young people.”

The Makkhawan Demonstration School is the name of a group of students who regularly join the People’s Alliance for Democracy protest.

Group head Sangtham Chunchadathan, a PhD student at Rangsit University, demanded Mr Somchai apologise and resign.

Mr Somchai said on Tuesday that students should stay away from politics and not join political movements.

Education deputy permanent secretary Chinnapat Bhumirat accepted their petition.

Krittin Dingkaew, a second-year student at Thammasat University’s faculty of law, said Mr Somchai’s “narrowminded, unethical and immature” comments proved he was unfit to oversee the portfolio.

Natthapol Kanasap, a first-year student at Chulalongkorn University’s medical school, said: “We cannot stay idle with the government’s frequent use of force against protesters.

“We are eligible to vote and have the right to participate in politics.”

Kanokporn Promputthachat, Pachara Chamnanprai and Chaiwat On- kaew, high school students at Wat Makut Kasatayaram School, joined the rally in school uniform yesterday.

Ms Kanokporn said they served as security volunteers for the protesters, searching people for weapons between 7pm and 9pm.

Mr Pachara said: “We come to the rally to get first-hand experience on political demonstrations. Unlike the minister, our parents support us.”

Increasing numbers of high school and university students have turned up at the PAD rally following the government’s use of force against protesters last Friday and the imposition of the emergency decree on Tuesday.

The students claim pro-government protesters attacked PAD supporters with the government’s blessing, to justify its move to declare a state of emergency.

Kasetsart University third-year student Theerapong Tangsuwan said more than 50 Kasetsart students joined the rally following the announcement of the state of emergency.

Originally published by Bangkok Post website, Bangkok, in English 4 Sep 08.

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