Despite permission from the local military, a Thai university has barred Amnesty International (AI) from showing a documentary about racial persecution in Africa, citing inappropriate timing.
On 9 November, the Deputy Dean of Khon Kaen University’s Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences cancelled a film show by AI featuring “White Shadow,” a documentary about the persecution of albinos in East Africa. The issue has no connection at all with Thailand’s political situation.
AI’s staff Petcharat Saksirivetkul told Prachatai that the local military had already granted permission for the event. A military officer also said he would attend the session out of his interest.
The University itself, however, ordered the show cancelled, citing the inappropriate timing and concern that so many people might attend the session that the university could not handle them.
Petcharat added it is sad that even though the military had already allowed the activity, the University, which should be a space for education and academic freedom, censored itself.
Latest Contents
Prachatai English is an independent, non-profit news outlet committed to covering underreported issues in Thailand, especially about democratization and human rights, despite pressure from the authorities. Your support will ensure that we stay a professional media source and be able to meet the challenges and deliver in-depth reporting.
• Simple steps to support Prachatai English
1. Bank transfer to account “โครงการหนังสือพิมพ์อินเทอร์เน็ต ประชาไท” or “Prachatai Online Newspaper” 091-0-21689-4, Krungthai Bank
2. Or, Transfer money via Paypal, to e-mail address: [email protected], please leave a comment on the transaction as “For Prachatai English”