Deputy PM Orders Three-Month Teaching Ban at Disputed Bangkok Campus

On September 9, 2025, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Yosshanan Wongswat chaired a meeting to discuss the management of the disputed teaching area at Rajamangala University of Technology Tawan-Ok's Uthen Thawai campus. Attendees included Deputy Permanent Secretary Supchai Patumnaakul, Chulalongkorn University Rector Vilert Puriwacharr, Rajamangala University of Technology Tawan-Ok Rector Ruksai Fupreeteepsiri, Pathumwan Institute of Technology Acting Rector Sathian Thanysrirat, and Metropolitan Police Bureau Commissioner Siam Bunsombat.

After the meeting, Yosshanan revealed the measures to be implemented: First, the educational institutions have agreed not to conduct classes in the disputed area for at least three months to ensure safety. Students at both institutions will continue their education through alternative arrangements managed by administrators to maintain quality without disruption. If the transition is not completed, access to the disputed area will be indefinitely extended.

Second, officials will communicate with Pathumwan Institute of Technology to comply with the first measure and develop a long-term transition plan. Third, authorities have directed the Uthen Thawai administration to establish new facilities outside the disputed area to reduce conflict and meet the transition deadline. If additional time is needed, classes will be relocated to alternative university facilities, and no entry will be permitted to the disputed campus.

"We have discussed with Chulalongkorn University that the current Uthen Thawai area will not be used for commercial or business purposes, but instead as an innovation space for Thai people to utilize. The area is designated for educational use, and the Metropolitan Police will assist with security during this period," Yosshanan said.