Senate Questions Uthenthawai Campus Relocation Plan
Senator Samphan Chaiwisetcha challenged Higher Education Minister Yoschanan Wongsawat in parliament over the planned relocation of the historic Uthenthawai campus, founded by King Rama VI nearly a century ago. The minister defended the move as mandatory under a Kor Yor Por committee resolution and Supreme Administrative Court ruling, stating the original site cannot be retained. Students and faculty opposed to the relocation will be assisted in transferring to Rajamangala University campuses near their homes.
On November 9, 2026, during a Senate session chaired by First Vice President General Kriangkrai Srirak, Senator Samphan Chaiwisetcha questioned Higher Education Minister Yoschanan Wongsawat about the ministry's decision to relocate the Uthenthawai campus. Senator Samphan raised three points from his in-depth study: 1) Whether the ministry should reconsider relocating a campus established by King Rama VI's royal initiative nearly a century ago, emphasizing that Uthenthawai students are the nation's children, not criminals or 'black sheep,' and the institution has produced countless graduates. 2) How necessary and appropriate it is for Chulalongkorn University to develop the land. 3) Whether the Chamchuri buildings truly serve education, and if relocation due to student violence is justified when five-year statistics show vocational students are the more violent group, suggesting legal enforcement is the proper solution. Senator Samphan argued that university student violence is not as severe as portrayed, and turning vocational students into social criminals is unjust. He urged greater scrutiny of the massive budget required for relocation.
Minister Yoschanan explained the move follows a resolution by the Committee on Consideration of State Contract Termination Cases (Kor Yor Por), which the Supreme Administrative Court upheld, making further action necessary. The ministry has followed the Higher Education Commission's recommendations, prioritizing educational quality. Rajamangala University of Technology East's Uthenthawai campus has donated land undergoing renovation for the new educational facility. During the transition, programs in automotive, logistics, and architecture are moving there. The minister has consulted the Engineering Council to ensure no one loses benefits and discussed with university committees how relocation would resolve issues.
Minister Yoschanan expressed respect for Uthenthawai's honor and prestige, urging all parties to compromise. He suggested students unwilling to relocate could transfer to Rajamangala campuses near their hometowns, as could faculty. While he is willing to assist with transfers, returning to the original site is impossible due to the Kor Yor Por resolution. He pledged close oversight to ensure a smooth, successful transition, noting he is not the first to implement this but is duty-bound to follow the resolution. He reiterated respect for everyone's honor and vowed to preserve Uthenthawai's prestige.
