Bangkok:Yotchanan reiterated the original decision that Uten Thawai College must relocate from the area, with exceptions only for students who wish to enter the area to complete their exams.
According to Thai News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, Yotsanulok Wongsawat, along with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, announced the results of discussions reaching a resolution to the conflict between Uten Thawai and Pathumwan universities. The meeting lasted over two hours and was attended by executives from both institutions, alumni, and representatives of current students.
Mr. Yotsanan confirmed that the original four-point resolution previously communicated to the two institutions regarding the transfer of facilities remains in effect. However, today, a concession will be granted to Uten Thawai College to submit a plan outlining the number of students who will need the labs for exams. Students will be allowed to return to the facilities to take exams this semester, but only for this semester. Next semester, the original plan for the facility transfer will have to be reinstated. The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation has already approved the budget for the construction of new buildings for both institutions.
Student representatives from Uten Thawai College reiterated their intention to remain in their current location. They acknowledged their attachment to the site due to their strong belief and faith in the area and affirmed their commitment to pursuing the land dispute. They considered today's discussions satisfactory, as some students will be allowed to return to take their exams. Following this, they will communicate with their friends and alumni protesting outside to persuade them to end the demonstration, as they believe the outcome has been somewhat positive. However, the land dispute with Chulalongkorn University will continue.
Regarding the resolution of inter-institutional violence, the college proposed drafting a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Pathumwan Technical College to end the violence, inviting Professor Dr. Yoschanan to participate as a committee member.
While a group of alumni and current students from Rajamangala University of Technology Eastern, Uthenthawai Campus, gathered to pressure and await a response in front of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation since the afternoon, alumni took turns speaking from a loudspeaker, criticizing the idea of relocating the institution and attacking Chulalongkorn University, arguing that it prioritized using the land for commercial purposes. The president of the Uthenthawai Alumni Association, who participated in the meeting, has informed the alumni group of the results of the discussions. Everyone confirmed that they received a satisfactory outcome today, with some students being allowed to return to use the laboratories. However, the fight over the land will continue.
A contingent of police officers from Metropolitan Police Division 2 was deployed, blocking the entrance and forming a convoy of vehicles to maintain order.