Deputy PM Convenes Talks on RMUTT Uthen Thawai Campus Transition
Deputy Prime Minister Yaschanan Wongsuwat will chair a meeting on October 22 to resolve the ongoing dispute over the RMUTT Uthen Thawai campus transition. The talks aim to ensure education quality is maintained, lab work continues on-site, and student travel costs are covered, while addressing fears that Chulalongkorn University land might be used commercially. Student representatives and alumni will participate in the discussions.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Yaschanan Wongsuwat has scheduled talks on the 'Uthen Thawai' issue for October 22, stressing that moving the campus and the transition will not lower education quality and there is no plan to use the area commercially.
On October 21, 2026, at Government House, Yaschanan gave an interview on the progress of the Rajamangala University of Technology Tawan-ok Uthen Thawai campus transition. He said a meeting with the university and stakeholders is set for October 22 so students can conduct labs and attend on-site classes, and to make up for lost teaching time, since lab work cannot be done online and travel expenses must be covered.
All of this will be discussed with the university and instructors in each program on how to proceed during the transition. Clarity will be established, and student alumni representatives will join the talks to ensure mutual understanding for a full resolution.
Regarding concerns about Chulalongkorn University land being used commercially, Yaschanan said he has spoken with relevant administrators to assure the Uthen Thawai side there is no intention to use the land commercially, and to explore solutions. On economic issues, if both sides step back it would help. He understands the conflict is a complex, hard-to-control matter but will try to resolve it so neither side has friction points. He reiterated understanding the problem and having read views from all sides, and will bring these to the October 22 meeting to convey that the campus move and transition will not reduce education quality and there is no commercial intent.
Asked about temporary learning sites, Yaschanan said he will summarize progress at the meeting and that preparations are fully ready, not improvised, to make everything calm and clear by informing parties in advance and seeking their input.
When asked how understanding will be reached if students are not at the table with administrators, Yaschanan said student representatives will attend tomorrow's meeting and their views will be heard, as this problem has been ongoing and the process follows previous discussions.
He continues the work to ensure clarity, with education quality at least maintained and the institution's prestige unchanged. He acknowledged both sides are uneasy and concerned, and any dissatisfaction will be addressed tomorrow.
Pressed on whether he worries dissatisfied parties might escalate matters, the Deputy PM said they will try to hear each side's concerns and discuss as best as possible, listening to each other maximally for the nation's benefit.
