Yotsanan reaffirms the original principles for resolving the Uthenthawai-Pathumwan situation, emphasizing adherence to law and maximum safety. Some students are allowed lab access during exams, tuition is reduced by 50%, and he urges all parties to move forward with understanding.
On 22 Oct 2026 GMT+7, Yotsanan Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), revealed after discussions with Rajamangala University of Technology Tawan-ok Uthenthawai Campus and Pathumwan Institute of Technology that the Ministry prioritizes legal compliance, safety, and fair support for students.
Following joint talks among the three parties, Yotsanan confirmed clear guidelines and measures focusing on three main points.
1. Relocation in accordance with the law, coupled with maximal mitigation of impacts.
The relocation of Uthenthawai campus follows the binding ruling of the Government Litigation Office (GLO), which all parties must obey. Equally important is implementing support measures to minimize impact on students and staff.
This includes tuition assistance, compensation for moving and travel expenses for faculty, and help with prepaid dormitory fees and increased travel costs for students.
2. Suspension of teaching at the original site, prioritizing "the safety of everyone’s lives" as the core principle.
Stopping or adjusting teaching at the site is about protecting student safety and the safety of the public in the city.
The Ministry considers parents' concerns about sending children to classes in the morning and the safety of commuters on the BTS Skytrain and surrounding areas. Therefore, safety is the highest priority. To avoid disruption to practical learning, coordination with Rajamangala University of Technology (RMUT) networks has been arranged since last month to provide lab facilities for students.
University presidents must now urge department heads and deans to compile detailed requirements for each field and coordinate with RMUT, aiming to complete this by next week. The entire plan will then be reviewed together.
Preliminary assessment indicates sufficient lab facilities have been arranged. However, if certain faculties or courses have technical needs that cannot be met externally, detailed discussions will follow. Case-by-case exceptions may allow some students to use labs at the original site, especially during exams requiring lab access. Faculties must prepare clear access plans, and the Ministry will coordinate police to ensure strict security, enabling teaching and exams to continue safely for students, staff, and the public.
3. Additional cooperation measures approved: 50% tuition reduction and leveraging RMUT networks and industry partnerships to develop skills.
Agreed cooperation measures include coordinating with Rajamangala University of Technology institutions to support teaching and labs in logistics, architecture, civil engineering, and construction. Tuition will be cut by 50%, and travel support provided for faculty relocating to new sites.
Chulalongkorn University confirms the original site will not be used commercially but will be developed for lifelong learning and innovation, with joint discussions among three parties to design its use. Meanwhile, Pathumwan Institute of Technology advances MOUs with industry to provide work-integrated learning, enabling students to earn income during studies and improve job prospects post-graduation.
Pathumwan Institute of Technology enhances real-industry skills by establishing MOUs with industry, sending students to learn and work in factories through work-integrated learning programs.
This measure not only transforms learning spaces to be safe and engineer-standard but also channels student skills into real production lines, generating income during studies and facilitating immediate employment after graduation.
"Every change brings challenges, and no perfect solution emerges overnight. I understand the attachment and impact on students well, but we must move forward grounded in respect for law and societal safety," Yotsanan said.
Yotsanan concluded by assuring that he and all involved in resolving this issue will listen to all concerns and care for students and everyone involved to ensure this transition leads to a safer, improved learning environment and a stable educational future for all students.