Sulak Sivaraksa Voices Support for Campaigners to Save Ang Kaew Dormitory at Chiang Mai University
.
On 5 October 2026, Sulak Sivaraksa’s Facebook page published a video with a caption reading, “S. Sivaraksa sends his support to those fighting against the demolition of Ang Kaew Dormitory at Chiang Mai University.”
.
In the video, Sulak expressed his support for students and others campaigning to save Ang Kaew Dormitory, urging them to continue their struggle through nonviolent means and without hatred toward those on the opposing side.
.
“I am glad that you are fighting for what is right and good, and that you are doing so through nonviolent means. The best form of struggle is not to hate those on the other side. Have compassion for them. Show them kindness, because they are doing things they do not understand.”
.
Sulak said the movement was not simply a struggle for social justice, for the constitution, or for human rights, but also “a struggle to preserve beauty,” saying that beauty goes hand in hand with goodness.
.
“Even if the beauty you are fighting for is torn down and destroyed, you must understand that tyranny does not exist only within the university. Tyrants exist everywhere, destroying beauty, goodness, and truth.”
.
At one point, Sulak referred to the demolition of the former Supreme Court complex in Bangkok. He said the buildings had been constructed to commemorate Thailand’s recovery of extraterritorial rights during the period when Pridi Banomyong served as Minister of Foreign Affairs. He questioned the destruction of a historically significant site and its replacement with a new structure.
.
Sulak also said that what makes a person truly lovable does not lie in physical appearance or pleasant speech, but in having a sense of justice, being willing to sacrifice personal interests for the common good, and standing up for what is right.
.
“What makes a person lovable is having a sense of justice, being willing to sacrifice personal interests for the common good, and fighting for what is right and good.”
.
He concluded by offering encouragement to those campaigning to save Ang Kaew Dormitory, saying that even if they do not prevail in this particular struggle, goodness and beauty will ultimately triumph.
.
“I want to give my support to all of you who are fighting for goodness and beauty. Even if you do not win this time, victory will always belong to goodness and beauty. Believe me: goodness and beauty will ultimately prevail.”