Culture
Chiang Mai University Students Hold Ceremony to Protect Historic Dormitory
Students at Chiang Mai University are organizing a traditional 'Sueb Chata' ceremony to protest the planned demolition of the historic Ang Kaew dormitory.
On September 24, 2026, students from Chiang Mai University (CMU) announced a public campaign to preserve the Ang Kaew dormitory, a building they consider to be of significant cultural and historical value. According to a report by Matichon Online, the students are inviting the public to join them in a traditional 'Sueb Chata' ceremony—a ritual intended to extend life and bring good fortune—by lighting 62 candles at the site.
This protest is a direct response to university plans to demolish the structure. For residents and visitors, this event highlights the ongoing tension between campus modernization and the preservation of local architectural heritage. The Ang Kaew dormitory is viewed by many students as a landmark that represents the university's history, and the decision to remove it has sparked significant debate regarding the conservation of campus landmarks.
As of now, the university has not issued a formal response to the protest or provided a definitive timeline for the demolition. It remains to be confirmed whether the administration will reconsider its development plans in light of the students' efforts or if the ceremony will influence the future of the building. Those interested in local culture may find this event a poignant example of how Thai students are increasingly engaging in the protection of their institutional heritage.