Temporary Closure of Uthen Thawai Campus Following Safety Concerns
The Ministry of Higher Education has temporarily closed the Uthen Thawai campus following a violent incident at a BTS station, with plans for a tripartite meeting on October 22.
Following a violent incident near a BTS Skytrain station on September 7, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) has ordered the temporary closure of the Rajamangala University of Technology Tawan-ok, Uthen Thawai campus.
According to Praphaporn Thongpaknam, a spokesperson for the Pheu Thai Party, the measure is intended to ensure the safety of students, staff, and the general public. The Ministry acknowledges the disruption this causes to students, particularly those requiring laboratory access for practical coursework. To mitigate these impacts, the Ministry has outlined a four-point resolution plan:
- The university must secure alternative facilities, specifically laboratories, to ensure academic standards are maintained.
- New learning spaces must be prepared within 90 days.
- The Pathumwan Institute of Technology is required to develop a long-term preparedness plan.
- Progress reports must be submitted regularly to monitor the situation.
A tripartite meeting is scheduled for October 22 to further discuss these measures. For residents and travelers, this situation highlights ongoing security concerns in the vicinity of certain educational institutions. While the closure is localized, those commuting near the affected areas should remain aware of potential administrative changes. It remains to be confirmed how quickly the university can finalize the transition to alternative learning sites and whether further security measures will be implemented at public transit hubs.