Deputy PM Denies Interference in University Controversy
Deputy PM Yossakorn Wongswasdi denied his ministry interfered in a controversy at Prince of Songkla University's Pattani campus, insisting he only sought to verify that lawmakers' seminar complied with activity hour credit regulations.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education Yossakorn Wongswasdi addressed the ongoing controversy at Prince of Songkla University's Pattani campus during an event at the Surat Thani campus on August 19, 2025. He used the platform to dispel criticism that his ministry intended to interfere with academic freedom, clarifying instead that he only sought to verify procedural compliance regarding activity hour credits.
The dispute arose after the Political Science Faculty invited lawmakers as speakers for an academic seminar, with student participants able to earn activity hours for attendance. This triggered widespread criticism about appropriateness and sparked concerns that the Higher Education Ministry might suppress academic and student freedom of expression.
Yossakorn explained that he became aware of the controversy through news reports and comments, which prompted him to ask the permanent secretary to verify details. He emphasized that the ministry's only concern was whether the activity hour arrangement complied with university regulations, not the content of the lectures. "Freedom of thought cannot be limited," he said, stressing that universities must remain open spaces for learning and exchanging ideas.
He reiterated on stage that there is no problem, no interference, and no restriction of rights. If the university follows proper procedures, it can conduct activities normally, and the Higher Education Ministry stands ready to support all learning initiatives. "The headline was a bit short and knocked me down," Yossakorn remarked, thanking the deputy rector for providing him the platform to clarify the matter that day.
