I recently had a very significant experience that I would like to share. Before I begin, I must make it clear that Thailand is currently under Martial Law, and there are laws prohibiting freedom of speech, resulting in 3 to 15 years in jail for even talking about politics. Therefore, I will simply discuss the relevant aspects of my recent experience here on this blog, for fear of getting anyone in trouble.
We recently had a speaker express some very beautiful and grand ideas with regards to the solutions to Thailand's current political turmoil. This man was high ranking in the former government before the military took over, and I was quite honored to meet him. He spoke of his vision for Thailand... a vision that used science, technology, and education to bring peace and stability to the country. This man has worked over the years to promote education and global collaboration and connection. He believes that through international communication, we might learn from one another and thereby be able to progress. Additionally, he believes that we ought to address issues of science before issues of politics. In other words, if we work towards addressing climate change, green energy, neuroscience, technology, medical advancement, world hunger etc., peace will be more attainable. Furthermore, we must promote critical thinking and education, while keeping in mind the "spirit of collaboration". He genuinely believes that the world (ASEAN region specifically) can join together to make improvements and stabilize political structures through communication and scientific advancement.
It was incredible to meet someone whose life's work was expressing views quite similar to mine. Attempting to speak my broken Thai, I thanked him for speaking with us (in fact, he was risking arrest to do so), and we discussed science and education and other grand ideas (this time, in English). He actually inscribed his book to me, and invited me to his home in Bangkok. I am overwhelmingly honored to meet such a progressive thinker who saw value in my own ideas.
I will continue to believe that scientific solutions are a key player in international and intranational peace. May the critical thinking continue! And not be oppressed by Martial Law!
We recently had a speaker express some very beautiful and grand ideas with regards to the solutions to Thailand's current political turmoil. This man was high ranking in the former government before the military took over, and I was quite honored to meet him. He spoke of his vision for Thailand... a vision that used science, technology, and education to bring peace and stability to the country. This man has worked over the years to promote education and global collaboration and connection. He believes that through international communication, we might learn from one another and thereby be able to progress. Additionally, he believes that we ought to address issues of science before issues of politics. In other words, if we work towards addressing climate change, green energy, neuroscience, technology, medical advancement, world hunger etc., peace will be more attainable. Furthermore, we must promote critical thinking and education, while keeping in mind the "spirit of collaboration". He genuinely believes that the world (ASEAN region specifically) can join together to make improvements and stabilize political structures through communication and scientific advancement.
It was incredible to meet someone whose life's work was expressing views quite similar to mine. Attempting to speak my broken Thai, I thanked him for speaking with us (in fact, he was risking arrest to do so), and we discussed science and education and other grand ideas (this time, in English). He actually inscribed his book to me, and invited me to his home in Bangkok. I am overwhelmingly honored to meet such a progressive thinker who saw value in my own ideas.
I will continue to believe that scientific solutions are a key player in international and intranational peace. May the critical thinking continue! And not be oppressed by Martial Law!