Sondhi’s so-called pro-democracy international tour continues. From today’s email inbox:

Mr. Sondhi Limthongkul, long-time critic of former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and instigator [!!??] of the recent coup in Thailand will be speaking on “Thailand’s Democracy, Corruption & Coup(s)”

Tuesday, November 14. 6:00pm
Kane Hall, Room 110

Event is free and open to the public. Please note that first half of presentation will be in Thai. Brief summary and Q&A session will be in English.

The Southeast Asia Center
Jackson School of International Studies
University of Washington
Seattle, Washington.

The Southeast Asia Center’s sponsorship of this event does not imply that the Center endorse the content of the event.

A couple of questions. First, has Sondhi got shy about speaking in English? His English presentation in London seemed very eloquent indeed. Second, why the defensive disclaimer? If the Southeast Asia Center is worried about criticism why not stage this as a discussion/debate between alternative viewpoints. Surely coup instigator Sondhi would agree. And, finally, after London and Seattle, where next? Surely it must be Canberra! As a faithful ally in the campaign for military-imposed democracy Australia must surely feature on Sondhi’s itinerary. I can’t promise coyote dancers but I can promise a warm welcome.

Sondhi, we await your visit!