60 student leaders to join a forum on future roadmap of Thailand
Pro-democracy students raise a three-fingers, symbol of resistance salute during a protest rally in front of Education Ministry in Bangkok, Thailand, Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2020. Student protesters have stepped up pressure on the government with three core demands: holding new elections, amending the constitution and ending the intimidation of critics of the government.
Thailand’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovations (MHESRI) will hold a forum this Thursday where the first group of students will share their views on setting a roadmap for the future of Thailand.
The Minister, Anek Laothammatas, said today that about 60 students, who are the presidents of student councils at various universities, will be the first to be invited to present their opinions.
On Sunday, the Minister held a meeting with the Council of University Rectors, to brief them on the Ministry’s policies, including the policy allowing students to use campus grounds for political activities and to air their political views.
He reiterated that his Ministry will not stop students from airing their views, but their political activities must remain within the scope of the Constitution and the law and must not offend the Monarchy, adding that he is not worried about a protest planned at Thammasat University on September 19th.
Dr. Suchatvee Suwansawat, President of the Council of University Rectors, said that Rectors have been instructed to take care of students facing charges for their political activities and to turn universities into true educational institutes for Thai youth.
