Utenthawai Students Rally Against Campus Relocation Plan
Over a hundred students from the Utenthawai campus of Rajamangala University of Technology East protested at the Ministry of Higher Education, demanding the cancellation of a planned campus relocation. They warned that without a response within three days, they could escalate their action on October 19, 2026. Ministry officials met with the protesters and agreed to send delegates for further talks.
More than 100 students from the Utenthawai campus of Rajamangala University of Technology East gathered at the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation to oppose the move of their campus to a new site, demanding that the institution remain at its current location. Permanent Secretary Supachai Patumranukul and Minister's Advisor Srirada Palimaphon came out to meet and negotiate directly with the student leaders. Both sides agreed to send representatives to hold discussions, with the Utenthawai side represented by doctoral student Krittithat Chanwaranan. Supachai reiterated that the ministry aims to support students in graduating and becoming quality engineers, without intending to create conflict or devalue any party, but to raise the nation's engineering education standards through a process involving multiple stakeholders. Krittithat said students are the ones affected by the situation, noting that the 90-day timeline is limited compared to a full academic semester and that no suitable ready-to-use site has been identified, which could impact their studies and mental health. The student representatives urged the ministry to review its approach and, if relocation is unavoidable, to secure land and complete construction of new facilities before any move, so as not to disrupt education. They asked the ministry to provide a clear answer within three days, stating that they may escalate their campaign if no progress is made.
