Khon Kaen University (KKU) has terminated its employment contract with a well-known American scholar who has been in Thailand for more than 30 years, resulting in his visa being revoked immediately. Thai media reported on Friday that David Streckfuss, founder of Khon Kaen-based The Isaan Record and director of the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) Khon Kaen since 1994, had had his contract terminated on Feb 18. The Isaan Record is a website focusing on social, political and environmental issues in the northeastern region of Thailand. Local media reported that The Isaan Record was now attempting to secure a visa and work permit for Mr Streckfuss so that he could remain in the country. Thailand recently was ranked the fifth-lowest among 144 countries worldwide in the Academic Freedom Index, compiled by the Germany-based Global Public Policy Institute (GPPi) and the Scholars at Risk Network.

Source: Bangkok Post April 16, 2021 11:48 UTC