Military bans seminar on land, tax reform at library

The military on Thursday afternoon forced a seminar on land and tax reform to be canceled, saying that they should only speak to the junta’s National Reform Council (NRC).  
 
Jakchai Chomthongdee, the organizer of “Land, disparity, tax: the step we have to choose,” told PRachatai that he received a phone call from a military officer, who said the military told him that the event cannot be held.
 
The event was scheduled Thursday 6pm at the Reading Room, art library, on Silom Road, downtown Bangkok. It features Korn Chatikavanich, Anusorn Thamjai and Duangmanee Laowakul. 
 
Although Jakchai tried to explain to the military that this event is rather academic and the talk on disparity will benefit every side, the military insisted that the event cannot be held and that if there is any thought on the reform, they should submit a letter to the NRC only. 
 
“Space for thoughts, and exchange of opinion are not allowed. This is the most surprising,” he said. 
 
Meanwhile, five military officers went to the Reading Room and told the library owner she needs to ask for permission for any future event. 
 
Five military officers visits to the Reading Room and tell the library owner she needs to ask for permission for any future event. 
 

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