"Yotchanan" has ordered four decisive measures to end the "Uthenthawai-Pathumwan" dispute, banning access to the area for at least three months effective immediately. Plans are underway to relocate and establish new learning spaces, while Chulalongkorn University aims to transform the area into a center for innovation and education.
On 9 September 2026, at the 4th-floor meeting room of the Phra Chom Klao Building, Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI). Mr. Yotchanan Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, chaired a meeting to discuss managing the educational area of Rajamangala University of Technology Tawan-ok, Uthenthawai Campus. Present were Professor Dr. Supachai Pathumnakul, Permanent Secretary of MHESI; executives from both institutions including Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rerkchai Fuprateepsiri, President of Rajamangala University of Technology Tawan-ok, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sathien Thanyasrirat, President of Pathumwan Institute of Technology; as well as Professor Dr. Vilet Purivatchar, President of Chulalongkorn University. The meeting lasted about 45 minutes to advance and expedite concrete solutions to the dispute between the two institutions.
Mr. Yotchanan revealed after the meeting that this session continued previous discussions and joint actions, aiming to swiftly implement agreed measures, especially focusing seriously on legal, security, and safety issues. The Pathumwan and Siam Square areas are national landmarks frequented by tourists. Any violence or conflict would harm the country’s image, tourist confidence, and overall economy. Therefore, four key measures were established to bring about a sustainable resolution to the conflict as follows.
Issue 1: Suspend teaching activities in the disputed area for at least three months. : This takes effect immediately from 9 September onwards. The MHESI will issue an official order requiring both institutions to comply to ensure safety for students, staff, and local residents. If the transition process is not completed within the set timeframe, the ban on entering the disputed area will be extended until fully resolved. Meanwhile, the administrations of both institutions must design and implement alternative teaching arrangements to avoid impacting educational quality. Each institution currently has about 1,000 students.
Issue 2: Accelerate finding a new area for Uthenthawai. The administration has been assigned to urgently secure a new site outside the disputed area within three months. Initially, temporary facilities may be used for teaching, with plans to expand to permanent locations later. If the deadline cannot be met, the suspension period for the disputed area will be extended to maintain safety.
Issue 3: Require Pathumwan Institute of Technology to develop a Transition Plan. Since Pathumwan has no alternative campus like Uthenthawai, it will adopt a model where students closely collaborate with industry from their first year. Preparation for a long-term plan is necessary in case conflicts persist, which might require relocating outside the area without affecting education.
Issue 4: Develop the original area into an education and innovation zone. Regarding the current area used by Uthenthawai, Chulalongkorn University, as the landowner, has clearly confirmed for transparency that it will not commercialize the space. Instead, the goal is to maintain it as an industrial and innovation area accessible to the public and society. MHESI and Chulalongkorn University will establish a development committee to solicit input from all related institutions to jointly determine management strategies for maximum educational benefit.
Mr. Yotchanan emphasized that MHESI will fully support both institutions. Wherever teaching relocates, the ministry will provide tools, resources, and quality assurance to uphold the honor and dignity of all current and former students. “Our goal is to enable all parties to move forward together on safety, dispute resolution, and educational quality development. Ultimately, we share a common objective: to enhance Thai education quality and restore this area as a place that benefits all Thai people.”
During the transition, the Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB) will intensify security in the area. Police have closely coordinated with faculty from both institutions and received strong cooperation from alumni and senior students in monitoring the situation. Today, relevant agencies and police officials attended the meeting, led by Pol. Lt. Gen. Siam Boonsom, Commissioner of MPB; Pol. Maj. Gen. Charin Kopattana, Deputy Commissioner (Region 6); Pol. Maj. Gen. Pallop Aromla, Deputy Commissioner (Region 1-2); Pol. Maj. Gen. Chotiwat Luangwilai, Commander of the MPB Intelligence Division (Thepnakorn 1); Pol. Col. Ekaphop Tanprayoon, Deputy Commander of Metropolitan Police Division 1; Pol. Col. Thara Paengkruang, Deputy Commander of Metropolitan Police Division 6; Pol. Col. Narit Pratanaporn, Deputy Commander of Metropolitan Police Division 6; Pol. Col. Sirichart Janpromma, Superintendent of Pathumwan Police Station; and Pol. Col. Cherdsak Rodkhem, Commander of the MPB Intelligence Division 6.