Press Conference:
Shutting Down Political Discussion in Thailand
Pavin Chachavalpongpun
Associate Professor, Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Kyoto University
Friday, August 28, 2020, 11:00 - 12:00
(The speech and Q & A will be in English.)
*Speaker will join the event online.
If Pavin Chachavalpongpun had a title, it probably wouldn't be 'King of the Exiles.' The Thai professor at Kyoto University's Center for Southeast Asian Studies is among the most well-known critics of the Thai monarchy and military government. Professor Chachavalpongpun's exile is self-imposed, and events this week have underscored deep divisions in the country and the nations' challenges to free speech.
His on-line discussion group - 'Royalist Marketplace' - has been blocked in Thailand by Facebook under legal threat from the country's Digital Ministry. The government says it's not a bully, merely using Thai laws to protect Thai cybersecurity. The on-line group had a million members was a platform for open discussion on Thailand, its government and monarchy. Undeterred, Chachavalpongpun has created a separate group now with 700,000 members in just two days to keep the discussion alive. He will hold an online press conference via the FCCJ to discuss the decision by Facebook and the state of democracy in Thailand.
How to attend:
Please register at front@fccj.or.jp with your name, name of media outlet, FCCJ membership number. Due to space restrictions, please note there will be a limited number of reservations to attend. Doors open at 10:30. Please sign in your name and contact details at the reception with your own pen and to have your temperature taken before proceeding.
How to watch online: https://youtu.be/OCGrdlWBt1w
Livestreaming of the press events will be available and video of this event will be uploaded to our FCCJ YouTube channel.
How to ask questions: https://forms.gle/nQkyCUxoPs3dF1Ki9
Members watching the event online can submit questions for the speakers in advance using this submission form (English only).
TV crew: Please make a reservation at front@fccj.or.jp. Door open for TV crews only at 10:15. There will be five positions available for livestreaming.
Professional Activities Committee