Uthenthawai Students Protest Relocation Plans at Ministry of Higher Education
Over 100 students from Rajamangala University of Technology Tawan-ok, Uthenthawai Campus, protested against relocation plans, citing concerns over academic and mental well-being.
On October 19, 2026, more than 100 students from the Uthenthawai campus of Rajamangala University of Technology Tawan-ok gathered at the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) to protest the planned relocation of their institution. The students argue that moving the campus would negatively impact their studies and mental health, and they are demanding that the university remain at its current location.
During the demonstration, MHESI Permanent Secretary Prof. Dr. Supachai Pathumnakul and ministerial advisor Dr. Sriyada Palimaphan met with student representatives to discuss the situation. Prof. Dr. Supachai emphasized that the ministry’s goal is to improve the quality of engineering education in Thailand and that there is no intention to create conflict or devalue the institution. He noted that the relocation process involves multiple stakeholders.
Student representative Krittithat Nanyawaranan stated that the student body is directly affected by these changes and raised concerns regarding the implementation timeline. The two parties have agreed to hold further negotiations within three days. For residents and visitors, this situation may lead to localized traffic disruptions or increased security presence near the ministry. It remains to be confirmed whether a compromise will be reached or if the students will escalate their protest actions as threatened.
