BANGKOK — Authorities have ordered two rival technical education campuses in Bangkok to close their premises for three months following a fresh outbreak of student violence that left two people injured at BTS Siam station.
The decision affects Pathumwan Institute of Technology and Rajamangala University of Technology Tawan-ok’s Uthen Thawai Campus, two institutions with a long history of rivalry.
The move is part of an effort by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation to break the cycle of violent confrontations between students from the two campuses.
Closure follows BTS Siam clash
The latest violence broke out on the morning of Sept 7 at BTS Siam station when students from the two institutions encountered each other.
The confrontation quickly escalated into a brawl, with two Pathumwan students reportedly suffering stab wounds.
Police intervened to bring the situation under control and began reviewing CCTV footage to identify those involved.
Campuses to remain closed for three months
Deputy Prime Minister and Higher Education Minister Yotchanan Wongsawat chaired discussions with officials and representatives from the affected institutions.
Authorities agreed to close the campuses for three months while plans are developed to separate students and reduce the risk of further confrontations.
The closure is aimed at preventing students from gathering at the campuses and encountering rival groups during their daily routines.
Alternative learning arrangements planned
Officials are working on alternative arrangements to allow students to continue their education during the closure.
Possible measures include relocating classes, changing teaching locations and expanding arrangements for students to study or undergo practical training away from their usual campuses.
Authorities had already explored staggered schedules and work-based learning programmes to reduce the chances of students from the rival institutions crossing paths.
Long-running rivalry under renewed scrutiny
The latest incident has renewed concern over the long-standing rivalry between students from the two technical institutions.
Despite previous attempts to prevent violence through policing, schedule changes and other measures, confrontations have continued to occur.
The government is now seeking a more permanent solution rather than relying only on temporary security measures after each new clash.
Authorities seek to end cycle of violence
Yotchanan said officials are working towards permanently ending the violence between the institutions.
The ministry has been in discussions with administrators from both schools and is examining longer-term solutions involving campus arrangements, student schedules and alternative learning locations.
The three-month closure is intended to provide time for those plans to be developed and implemented.
The bottom line
Two rival technical education campuses in Bangkok have been ordered to close for three months after a fresh student brawl at BTS Siam left two people injured.
Authorities will arrange alternative learning locations and schedules while working on longer-term measures to prevent further violence between students.
The unprecedented closure reflects growing pressure on Thai authorities to finally break the long-running cycle of confrontations between the rival institutions.
WWC ONE MEDIA J.M.D
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