BANGKOK — Thai authorities are moving to stop a long-running feud between two rival technical institutions after a fresh clash in central Bangkok renewed fears over student violence and public safety.
The latest confrontation involved students from Rajamangala University of Technology Tawan-ok’s Uthenthawai Campus and the Pathumwan Institute of Technology.
The incident prompted Thailand’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation to call urgent talks involving university leaders, police and other authorities.
Officials say the problem can no longer be treated as simply a dispute between two groups of students.
The violence is now being viewed as a wider public safety issue.
Recent clash puts feud back in spotlight
The latest violence occurred near Bangkok’s busy Siam area, where students from the two institutions reportedly confronted each other.
The incident left people injured and caused concern because it took place in one of the city’s busiest public transport and shopping districts.
Police intervened and authorities began investigating the confrontation.
The location made the incident particularly alarming.
Siam is used daily by commuters, tourists, office workers and shoppers.
Officials have warned that recurring clashes between rival student groups can put innocent members of the public at risk, not just those directly involved in the dispute.
Minister calls urgent meeting
Deputy Prime Minister and Higher Education Minister Yotchanan Wongsawat said authorities would hold talks involving the leadership of both institutions, police and other relevant agencies.
The discussions are aimed at finding a more permanent solution to a conflict that has continued for years.
Officials are expected to focus on:
- Stricter enforcement of existing laws
- Preventing students from confronting each other
- Adjusting class schedules
- Improving coordination with police
- Holding talks with those involved
- Considering the relocation of campuses or student activities
The government wants all sides to agree on a clearer timeline for action rather than relying on temporary measures after each new incident.
Different schedules introduced to avoid clashes
Authorities have already attempted several measures to keep students from the two institutions apart.
One approach has involved staggering schedules and changing learning arrangements.
Some Pathumwan students have been sent to companies for practical training or off-campus learning from their first year, reducing the chances of direct encounters.
Officials said the measures had been in place for some time.
There have also been occasions when learning was temporarily suspended following concerns about possible clashes.
But the recent confrontation has shown that previous efforts have not completely solved the problem.
Possible campus relocation being discussed
One of the more significant proposals involves moving Uthenthawai students or operations away from the current area.
Authorities have been examining possible alternative locations, including areas outside central Bangkok and other campuses under Rajamangala University of Technology Tawan-ok.
The Treasury Department has also been involved in discussions concerning potential sites.
Officials acknowledge, however, that the relocation process has been moving slowly.
The government is now looking at additional options to separate the two student communities and reduce the possibility of future confrontations.
Officials say key figures may also need to be involved
Yotchanan said resolving the conflict may require authorities to speak directly with influential figures connected to the groups involved.
He acknowledged that such discussions would not be easy.
But he said dialogue, evidence and legal measures would all need to be used if authorities were serious about ending the violence.
The minister said the problem has existed for many years and has resulted in injuries and deaths.
He stressed that authorities now need to act more decisively.
Public safety now a major concern
Authorities say one of the biggest concerns is the growing impact on ordinary people.
Violence between rival student groups has previously spilled into public areas.
The recent incident near Siam highlighted how quickly a confrontation can affect commuters and bystanders.
Officials warned that people who have no connection to either institution could be caught up in future violence.
The government has said the issue could also affect:
- Public confidence
- Tourism
- Daily commuting
- Business activity
- Bangkok’s image as a safe city
That has increased pressure on authorities to find a lasting solution rather than simply responding after each incident.
Why the feud has been difficult to end
The conflict between the two institutions has a long history.
Previous administrations and education authorities have attempted to reduce tensions through meetings, disciplinary measures, policing and changes to learning arrangements.
But the latest incident demonstrates how difficult it has been to completely prevent confrontations.
Officials now appear to be focusing on a broader strategy.
Instead of relying on one measure, the government wants to combine:
Law enforcement.
Institutional cooperation.
Schedule changes.
Campus separation.
Direct dialogue.
The hope is that addressing several parts of the problem at once could produce a more permanent result.
What happens next?
Authorities are expected to continue discussions with university administrators, police and other agencies.
The government wants responsibilities to be clearly divided so that each organisation knows what action it must take.
Officials are also expected to develop a clearer timeline for implementing agreed measures.
The immediate priority is preventing another confrontation.
The longer-term challenge is ending a rivalry that has continued for years.
The bottom line
A fresh clash between students from Uthenthawai and Pathumwan has pushed Thailand’s long-running campus feud back into the national spotlight.
Authorities are now holding urgent talks and considering stronger measures, including stricter law enforcement, schedule changes, direct negotiations and possible relocation plans.
The government’s message is increasingly clear:
This is no longer just a campus problem.
When violence reaches Bangkok’s busiest public spaces, the safety of everyone becomes part of the equation.
WWC ONE MEDIA J,M,D
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