BANGKOK – The picture in front of me is beautiful, almost surreal. Students across high school and universities are getting to know each other, sharing their stories and enjoying the moment. While some, rushed to prepare their case with their team in quiet rooms.
Here we are at the 10th European Union and Thailand National Intervarsity Debate Championship hosted by Thammasat University. The forum was created back in 2005 through the collaboration between the European Delegation of Thailand and the Thammasat Speakers Union (TSU). From a humble beginning of 54 participants, this year tournament welcomes more than 200 students from nearly 20 educational institutions. It has become the biggest and most inclusive tournament in Thailand whereby high school and university students can join, free of charge.
For the past ten years, the EUTH – as we call it, has created a positive space for Thai students to sharpen their critical thinking, teamwork and English speaking ability – skills much needed in today’s world.
After five days of intensive debate competition, debating between the need to impose austerity measures towards Greece and the decline Marxism, the motion for the Grand Final is:
This house believes that ASEAN should have a body of representatives directly elected by the public.
On the side of the Proposition is Mahidol University and on the side of Opposition is Chulalongkorn. Two top teams from the tournament and students of Thailand’s most famous universities are meeting head on to debate on the direction of ASEAN, as they see it.
On the one hand, the proposition proffered the need for direct election of the Secretary General to instill long term vision, mitigate national interest and instill democratic value for ASEAN. On the other hand, the opposition argued that the status quo of 5 years rotation of all member states present no need for such radical change.
These students are not only being eloquent in English but they exhibit other qualities such as wit, courage and confidence.
His Excellency Jesus Miguel Sanz, the Ambassador and Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Thailand poignantly said: “the ability to rationally and constructively engage in a debate or discussion is crucial for anyone who wishes to contribute to a truly democratic and inclusive society.”
Despite the political climate in Thailand, whereby freedom of speech has been largely infringed and many academic activities have been cancelled due to the so-called “national security,” these students show us there is hope.
Today they might be practicing their skills debating on the future of ASEAN or the policy in Europe. There will be one day that the people of this generation can stand proudly and freely to debate the future of their beloved country, Thailand.
Slowly and surely.