A teacher in Bangkok is under investigation for gross disciplinary violations over personal comments that she made about the late former prime minister and president of the Privy Council, Prem Tinsulanonda, which some observers have slammed as bullying.
The teacher was said to have accused Gen Prem of being a dictator and a homosexual who kept a harem in his Si Sao Thewes residence while he was still alive. She was speaking during a lecture on "Dictatorship and Perpetuation of Power" in front of Mathayom 1-3 students, who are between 13-15 years of age.
The lecture was leaked by one of her students, who posted the video on social media.
The clip caused an uproar among right-wing groups, as well as among Gen Prem's admirers, including Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, who directly reprimanded the teacher over her remarks. Firebrand activist Srisuwan Janya has also asked the Ministry of Education to punish the teacher over the "gross ethical violation".
So far, only the Move Forward Party has come out to defend the teacher, saying while she should have been more discreet, as her comments directly concern gender diversity and sexual identity, the party disagrees with the prime minister's order to have the teacher charged with inciting public unrest.
In truth, the party's position deserves the public's attention.
In a letter, the teacher wrote a formal explanation as to why she made the comments. She said she did not harbour any ill will against the late statesman before adding her intention was to use him as an example of a dictatorial regime leader.
With regard to the teacher's explanation, there are two distinct issues that need to be considered; namely, Gen Prem's supposed sexual preferences and dictatorship.
The most regrettable thing about the furore was that instead of teaching her students to embrace diversity, she chose to sow seeds of homophobia. Gender diversity and sexual preferences are basic human rights, a point that she should be hammering home instead of pushing unsubstantiated narratives about a secret harem.
It is one thing to teach students to despise authoritarianism, but using salacious rumours to educate young minds is another thing completely.
More discussion is needed on how best to teach students about democracy and dictatorship, as well as the subtle nuances in Thailand's political development.
The late Gen Prem -- as well as a few other prime ministers, including the much-liked Anand Panyarachun -- was not elected by the people. Despite that, Gen Prem did not wield absolute power.
Did the teacher inform her students about Gen Prem's reconciliation campaign, which saw communist insurgents who fled to Laos allowed to return home as free men if they agree to lay down their arms and restore peace in society?
It is hoped the teacher gave her students all sides of the story, which will spark curiosity and healthy debate among them.
Despite the obvious blunders in her lecture, the Education Ministry should not treat this issue as a political case.
It must ensure the probe is carried out in an impartial and fair manner, not only for the late Gen Prem but also for this teacher who was just trying to instil a love for democracy among her students. Most importantly, the probe must not turn into a political witch-hunt.
