Don't silence deep thinkersThe recent termination of employment, work permit and related visa of David Streckfuss, an American academic who has worked at Khon Kaen University for the past 27 years, has intensified fears over suppression of academic freedom. About a month before his termination, Mr Streckfuss helped organise a seminar on Isan identity. Mr Streckfuss wrote Truth on Trial in Thailand: Defamation, Treason and Lese-Majeste, published by Routledge Press in 2011. Thus, how could Mr Streckfuss have been expected to fulfil his duties of enrolling exchange students on to the Khon Kaen University programme? Immigration Division 4 in Khon Kaen have said they need more time to inspect the paperwork -- that could be another foot-dragging tactic but attempts to eliminate him are useless.

Source: Bangkok Post April 21, 2021 21:33 UTC