Report 'this week' on AIT charter

“He will hold a press conference to announce the results of discussions on the matter with representatives from the nine other countries,” the source at the International Organisation Department said.
The AIT was plunged into a crisis this year when Parliament delayed ratification of its new charter, leaving fresh graduates under the charter confused about whether their hard-earned diplomas would be worth anything here in Thailand and perhaps elsewhere.
“We are most worried about the fact that some countries may not recognise the AIT degrees,” said Amornpon Changsuphan, the coordinator for Thai students at the institute.
The new AIT charter has already been ratified by nine nations – Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Japan, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Sweden and Vietnam – so switching back to the old charter is not practical.
“Thailand’s Foreign Affairs Ministry has not stayed idle. It has been trying to solve the problem and to minimise any adverse impacts,” the source said.
Amornpon said his group, which called on the ministry yesterday, wants the foreign minister to act as a mediator in resolving the crisis.
“My group represents Thai and foreign students of the AIT,” he said.
“This is the fourth time someone has officially submitted a petition about the AIT to the foreign minister,” he said.
Chailert Limsomboon, deputy director-general of the International Organisation Department, accepted the petition from Amornpon on Surapong’s behalf.
Chailert has promised to try to resolve the conflict via discussions with authorities, Amornpon said.
The Vietnamese government recently sought clarification from its embassy in Bangkok, he said.
Some Vietnamese have studied at the AIT, which had enjoyed a good reputation until this crisis struck.