Yotchanan confirmed moving forward with the Uthenthawai relocation plan, urgently seeking solutions to support students and faculty during the 90-day transition period, including dormitory compensation, tuition fee reductions, and securing labs for practical courses. A meeting with administrators is scheduled for 22 Oct.
At 10:00 a.m. on 20 October 2026 at the Government House, Yotchanan Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, spoke about progress in relocating Rajamangala University of Technology Tawan-ok's Uthenthawai Campus to a new location. He said he has consulted with Uthenthawai and Pathumwan Institute executives after both institutions expressed concerns about the impact on teaching during the 90 days of online learning. He also met with students who came to the ministry and the university presidents, especially from Uthenthawai, with ongoing discussions. Initially, efforts will focus on minimizing disruption to students by arranging suitable classrooms, online learning, and access to labs for practical courses as appropriate.
Yotchanan added that regarding compensation for affected students, especially those unable to move or facing housing costs, he assigned the Uthenthawai president to review details to find ways to assist with dorm fees already paid and consider tuition fee reductions as appropriate. Students wishing to transfer elsewhere will receive full support, as will affected faculty. The university will consult relevant parties to resolve housing and employment issues. The new learning site has a clear plan and partial implementation has begun, but transition time is needed. Efforts will be made to complete everything before the 90-day deadline.
Asked whether the relocation, which has faced obstacles multiple times, will succeed, Yotchanan said credit must be given to those who previously structured the plan. He is continuing to clarify readiness of the new site and the impact on students. Another meeting with Uthenthawai administrators is set for the afternoon of 22 October to review progress and concerns from all sides. He acknowledged that quality of education is the biggest concern, requiring cooperation from all parties to provide facilities and teaching tools and appropriate compensation measures.
Asked if the plan will be completed within the 90-day timeframe, Yotchanan said the plan is finalized but the transition period requires mutual understanding. He reaffirmed ongoing talks with administrators to resolve concerns, including opposition and threats against university leaders earlier.
Regarding opposition from alumni who do not want the campus moved, Yotchanan said he has consulted with Chulalongkorn University. The site will not be used commercially but managed jointly through a committee to support education, innovation, and industry. The Ministry has coordinated with the Council of Engineers to uphold education quality standards, emphasizing that labs and tools must meet standards. They are open to feedback from alumni, current students, and faculty and will consider options for students wishing to study locally to minimize impacts on all parties during the transition.