Panel discusses Thailand coup
Thai Student Association hosts panel to clarify misconceptions.
Published Oct. 6, 2006
While the United Nations met on Sept. 19 in New York, 24-hour news networks turned their cameras on Thailand as the nation's military took control of the government and declared martial law.
Some Thai students said they believe the media coverage did not accurately reflect the situation.
The Thai Student Association organized a meeting Tuesday to clarify misconceptions about the coup, Chatchai Pinthuprapa, the organization's president.
"I've been asked, 'Is it safe to go to Thailand? Is it going to get better?'" said Thitinun Boonseng, president of the Missouri International Students Council.
Boonseng presented several polls at the meeting showing support for the coup within Thailand, especially within the capital city of Bangkok.
"The people in Thailand, as well as foreigners, look at the situation very positively, looking at security and politics," Boonseng said.
The conflict in Thailand began when Army Commander General Sonthi Boonyaratglin led a coup, taking advantage of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's absence while he attended a U.N. General Assembly session.
The Royal Thai Army took control of government buildings and television stations in Bangkok.
The military declared martial law, suspended the Thai Constitution and National Assembly and announced the formation of the Council for Democratic Reform under the constitutional monarchy. The movement later changed its name to the Council for Democratic Reform to avoid misconceptions that the King of Thailand, Bhumibol Adulyadej, sanctioned the coup.
Former Thai Student Association president Artitaya Jantaraprapa said that foreign investors are still very confident in Thailand and that the economy is still strong.
Panel representatives from the International Center said study abroad programs in Thailand will continue.
"We are obviously monitoring the situation and will listen and watch very closely for the next few weeks," study abroad coordinator Rhonda Waller said at the meeting.
Director of study abroad Barbara Lindeman said she has seen no reports of violence in Thailand related to the coup.
"We do not send students to study abroad to countries for which the Department of State has issued a travel warning," Lindeman said. "There has not been a travel warning issued for Thailand."
One MU student was studying in a direct enrollment program at Thammasat University in Bangkok during the coup.
"I worked very hard to get his cell phone number and to call and make sure he was OK," Lindeman said. "He was fine."
Lindeman also said there is no reason for the student not to finish his semester there.
According to an e-mail from Waller, the International Center offers several study abroad options. Students can study for a semester or a year in Khon Kaen, a northeastern city in Thailand. This program is designed for students who want to learn about issues facing developing nations in a global economy. The International Center is also developing a service learning option in Chiang Mai, Thailand's second largest city.
In addition, the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources will offer a three-week program during the winter recess. The program will allow students to study conservation, biodiversity and wildlife management in Thailand, according to CAFNR's Web site.