New group of academics to protect monarchy

A new group of academics is set to be launched today to campaign for protection of the monarchy.

Assoc Prof Banjerd Singkaneti, dean of the Law School of National Institute of Development Administration (Nida), said that more than 20 academics from five universities have formed a group called "Sayam Prachapiwat" (Siamese People's Great Development). The group would be officially launched today (Friday) at the institute.

Banjerd said the group's academic were concerned about the ongoing "monopoly of Thai politics" by a group of capitalists and politicians, as well as "the crisis of freedom and ethics". He said the group would make its views on certain important issues, such as constitutional amendment, reforms for society, laws and politics.

"Our views are based on the principle that the Thai society's values must not be copied from the West. Our society respects the monarchy and this value is an important principle in Thai society," Banjerd said.

He denied that his group was set up against a group of law lecturers known as "Niti Rassadorn" (Citizens of Law).

"There is a need for Thai society to become 'prachapiwat'. The people must be the main part of society, and not the elite alone," Banjerd said.