The Patumwan Institute of Technology Alumni Association met with the Chief of Pak Kret Police Station to submit a letter urging expedited investigation and rapid capture of the perpetrator. They also read a statement condemning the act as a societal threat and rejecting all forms of violence.
At 10:00 a.m. on 23 July 2026, at Pak Kret Police Station in Nonthaburi Province, Mr. Uracha Chaiya, aged 60, president of the Patumwan Institute of Technology Alumni Association (Patumwan Technical College), along with representatives from the alumni group, met with Pol.Col. Adirek Thongkaemkaew, Chief of Pak Kret Police Station, to submit a letter urging expedited investigation and swift arrest of the suspect. They also read a statement condemning the act as a threat to society and rejecting all violence.
The case involves Mr. Jarukitti Rodlong, 25, an electrician at a condominium in the Tao Poon area of Bangkok and an alumnus, who was fatally assaulted in Soi Chaeng Watthana-Pak Kret 23, Khlong Kluea Subdistrict, Pak Kret District, Nonthaburi Province, on 21 July.
Mr. Uracha Chaiya stated that today he and members of the Patumwan Institute of Technology Alumni Association came to submit a letter urging the Pak Kret police to expedite the case and provide updates on its progress. Currently, they await the police's direction in the investigation. They have not concluded whether the cause is related to institutional rivalry or personal matters and are not favoring any explanation but regard the incident as excessively violent.
Regarding the monitoring and control of violence between the two institutions, discussions occur regularly. The local police have frequently invited representatives from both institutions for dialogue. Currently, it is unknown whether the perpetrators are students from the opposing institution or other groups; the police investigation is ongoing. Both institutions cooperate and coordinate continuously to find ways to prevent potential violent incidents.
Regarding this incident, Mr. Uracha urged the police to arrest the offenders quickly to reduce conflict. Younger members of the institution continuously discuss their roles, focusing on their studies. He acknowledged that fights occur in every institution but emphasized efforts to reduce violence. He has advised juniors to avoid risky areas. The victim was an alumnus who graduated seven years ago and was working. If the case is truly institution-related, he believes the line was crossed too far.
They submitted the letter to the Pak Kret Police Chief to expedite the case and announced a reward. The alumni have pooled funds to encourage the police and informants with a 100,000 baht reward for information leading to the suspect's arrest.
Mr. Uracha added that violence exists in every institution. Patumwan itself has experienced such issues across generations but never to this extreme. Violence is not limited to Patumwan and Uthenthawai, though these two institutions receive the most media attention.
When asked if there would be retaliation, he said he did not know if anyone intended to retaliate. The institution's anniversary is a sacred day, a time to honor the founder and unite alumni and current students in ceremonies. They are not afraid as they do not intend harm. The police have been asked to plan security measures as meetings have already taken place.
The deceased was not a current student but a graduate. The cause is still unknown. He emphasized that even if alumni come from different institutions, they can work together without issues when the time comes.
Regarding the four-gear tattoo, which society has misunderstood as a mark of rivalry, he firmly denied this. He himself has two gear tattoos on each forearm and graduated over 40 years ago. The gear impressions have faded but are common among alumni, representing voluntary pride in their institution, not a violent symbol.
“It is not a mark of rivalry as society currently misunderstands. If everyone’s gears represented rivalry marks, there would be many fatalities on the opposing side already.”
The “gear” is a sacred emblem worn personally; it is not forced. It is called “engraving the gear on the body,” placed anywhere such as the abdomen, arms, shoulders, or back, according to individual preference. It is a form of belief but mainly expresses institutional pride, similar to a tattoo. In the past, tattoos were less popular. The number of gears holds no particular meaning and varies by personal choice.
Engraving the gear on the body does not mean letting others know it is a rivalry mark. His own are under clothing, hidden from view except to close friends. This belief is shared among seniors and juniors alike, passed down as tradition. No one thinks differently.
Pol.Col. Adirek Thongkaemkaew said that the command has ordered the case to be expedited to apprehend the suspect quickly. Authorities are currently tracking down the perpetrator for prosecution but cannot disclose details. The police are collecting evidence and witnesses to speed identification of the suspect.
Regarding leads on the suspect, no information can be shared yet. However, he assured the Patumwan Alumni Association that police will do their best and respond to public concerns as soon as possible.