Yotchanan is awaiting the Higher Education Permanent Secretary's review of Prince of Songkla University inviting People's Party personnel to a seminar. He confirmed that freedom of thought cannot be restricted and requested an examination to verify whether the event organization and the counting of activity hours were properly conducted.
At 11:30 a.m. on 18 Aug 2026 at the Government House Command Building, Yotchanan Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, gave an interview regarding the Faculty of Political Science at Prince of Songkla University’s Hat Yai and Pattani campuses inviting People's Party personnel to a seminar for students, with the condition that attending students would receive three activity hours. He said he had spoken with the Higher Education Permanent Secretary and requested data from the university to confirm whether the event was conducted according to proper procedures. He learned of the matter through the media and said he would review the details before judging appropriateness. He affirmed that freedom of thought is unrestricted and that he would verify whether the activity and crediting of hours were properly managed.
However, such events already enjoy freedom, but if linked to academic credits and organized as official activities, it must be verified if this complies with established criteria. If so, it may proceed. Regarding the content, the university’s institutional law defines what is permitted, with oversight by the university council president. He asked that people await the university’s clarification. When asked whether, if the activity violated rules, regulations would be issued to guide all universities nationwide, Yotchanan said each university has its own guidelines. If issues arise, they have their own processes for resolution. Student groups also have their procedures, as do faculty groups. The ministry’s role is to ensure each university complies with its institutional law.