Anonymous Posters Denounce Pro-Coup University Rector

BANGKOK — Students at Thammasat University in Bangkok arrived for their first day of classes this morning to see posters denouncing the school’s director plastered on the walls.

The posters first appeared in the hallway of a lecture hall in Thammasat University's Rangsit Campus. Some featured a caricature of Thammasat's Rector, Somkid Lertpaitoon, in military fatigues. Another proclaimed sarcastically: "I welcome all new students to the land of democracy, where freedom is enshrined in every square inch."

Mr. Somkid has come under fire from anti-coup activists following his decision to join the National Legislative Assembly, the new lawmaking body appointed by the military junta earlier this month. 

One of the posters illustrated Mr. Somkid justifying his decision with the words: "Don't let the coup become a waste."

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As the day continued, more posters appeared in several other buildings around campus. It is unclear who was responsible for the material. By late afternoon, all of the posters were removed by university security guards.

Thammasat University is widely regarded a bastion of liberal activism, with an extensive history of student activists campaigning against military rulers. Students at the university famously rallied against Field Marshal Thanorm Kittikachorn in October 1973, which resulted in a popular uprising against the regime.

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