The Minister of Higher Education met with the acting president of Pathumwan Institute of Technology, revealing the hybrid learning concept to defuse inter-institutional conflicts and tensions.
On 13 July 2026, Associate Professor Dr. Sathien Thanyasrirat, acting president of Pathumwan Institute of Technology, met with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, Mr. Yotchanan Wongsawat, along with Mr. Supachai Pathumnakul, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry. They reported on the institute's progress and operations, focusing on proactive policies to resolve inter-institutional conflicts, adapt teaching methods, and reduce educational disparities.
During the discussion, a key agenda was preparing for the institute's anniversary. The institute proactively announced a temporary closure from 12 July to 9 August 2026. Mr. Yotchanan supported this approach, emphasizing it as a preventive and deterrent measure to ensure students’ maximum safety, not an avoidance of the problem.
The Minister of Higher Education clarified concerns about the educational impact, stating the temporary closure will not cause students to lose learning time. The institute has adopted online and hybrid learning models, modernizing teaching methods while serving as a key proactive measure to reduce confrontations and prevent conflicts.
Additionally, the hybrid learning system emphasizes practical training in real workplaces, enabling students to "learn and work simultaneously," providing tangible income during their studies. This approach has been highly successful, reflected by a sharp increase in student numbers at Pathumwan Institute of Technology from 1,100 to 1,800. This income-generating curriculum alongside professional skill development has gained strong interest from youth.
To reduce and manage long-term conflicts, Mr. Yotchanan proposed the 'Pathumwan Model' strategy based on the principles of '3 Ps and 1 D': prevention by preemptive measures to avoid incidents, deterrence through monitoring and suppressing risky behaviors, suppression by strictly enforcing laws especially against outsiders causing disturbances, and development to improve youth quality of life and education to address root causes.
Associate Professor Dr. Sathien Thanyasrirat reported on achievements in improving youth quality of life, reinforcing the vision of the institute as a higher education institution for the people. He stated the institute is fully committed to reducing educational inequality through the concept of "seamless education," aiming to remove obstacles and connect learning systems continuously to allow Thai youth uninterrupted access to education and vocational skill development.
Moreover, the institute is advancing the "Strategic Project for Marginalized Boys" at the Kanchanaburi Learning Center, a key area to bring marginalized and underprivileged youth into the education system. This reflects important cooperation between Pathumwan Institute of Technology and the Ministry of Higher Education to integrate efforts to reduce disparities, create opportunities, and empower Thai youth as vital contributors to sustainable national development.