PUBLISHED : 9 Feb 2024 at 04:00
Relocating Rajamangala University of Technology’s Uthenthawai Campus (Uthen) from its long-established site in Bangkok’s Pathumwan district could mitigate violent rivalry with Pathumwan Institute of Technology students, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said yesterday.
According to the PM, a campus relocation and an adjustment of student beliefs are essential in preventing the traditional rivalry between the two universities’ students.
Mr Srettha said that the conflict is partially rooted in false traditions inherited at both schools.
Chuan Leakpai, a Democrat Party list-MP, earlier noted concerns about the government’s order for the Uthenthawai campus to stop enrolling new students for the 2024 academic year in a bid to end the years-long dispute with Pathumwan Institute of Technology students.
“Such an order will lessen academic opportunities for at least 600 candidates who want to study at Uthen,” said Mr Chuan.
However, according to Supamas Isarabhakdi, the Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, there was miscommunication in the order.
Ms Supamas said that the ministry allows new students to enrol at Uthen with the condition of studying at a temporary site amid a relocation process.
The order is being considered by the Uthen university council and is expected to be finalised tomorrow, she said.
The Uthenthawai campus relocation plan follows an Administrative Court in December.
The school was requested to move from its 68-year-old campus as its land lease with Chulalongkorn University expired in 2003.
Ms Supamas said that the ministry is working with Chulalongkorn University, the Budget Bureau, the Office of the Attorney General and the Treasury Department regarding the relocation and financial support.
For the new location, Ms Supamas said the ministry is considering a property owned by the Treasury Department in Samut Prakan province and donated land in Bangkok’s Min Buri district.
Merging the Uthenthawai Campus with either the Bang Phra campus in Chon Buri or the Chakrabongse Bhuvanarth Campus in Din Daeng district is also considered.