50% tuition cut plus lab and relocation aid planned for Uthenthawai and Pathumwan
Thailand’s support package for Uthenthawai and Pathumwan students includes access to university laboratories and travel assistance for lecturers.
- The government plans a 50% tuition reduction for students at Uthenthawai and Pathumwan affected by changes to their teaching arrangements.
- Financial aid will be provided to ease the impact of relocation, covering lecturers' travel costs, pre-paid student accommodation, and other related expenses.
- Students will gain access to shared laboratories within the Rajamangala University of Technology network, with conditional, case-by-case access to existing labs for essential subjects.
The government has outlined three measures, including a planned 50% tuition reduction, to support Uthenthawai and Pathumwan students affected by changes to their teaching arrangements, following talks on 22 October 2026.
Deputy government spokesperson Capt Patdarasm Thongsaluaykorn said the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) had discussed solutions with Rajamangala University of Technology Tawan-ok’s Uthenthawai Campus and Pathumwan Institute of Technology.
Patdarasm said MHESI was ready to listen to all parties and seek a solution that avoided further conflict, complied with the law and protected safety while minimising disruption to students and staff. The three areas of support cover relocation and its financial impact, laboratory access, and tuition relief alongside cooperation on teaching.
50% tuition cut and help with relocation costs
MHESI will coordinate with the responsible institutions to arrange a 50% tuition reduction and support travel costs for lecturers who must teach at new locations, Patdarasm said.
Patdarasm said Uthenthawai’s relocation must proceed in accordance with a ruling by the committee responsible for resolving civil disputes involving government agencies and related bodies, known by its Thai abbreviation กยพ. All parties were required to comply with the law.
MHESI will work with the relevant agencies to ease the financial impact of the move. The issues under consideration include tuition fees, lecturers’ travel costs, accommodation rent already paid in advance by students, and additional expenses arising from changes in teaching locations.
Shared laboratories and conditional access to existing facilities
MHESI is coordinating with the Rajamangala University of Technology network to provide laboratories for practical classes. Lecturers and faculties in each discipline have been asked to identify their requirements and complete arrangements with host institutions by the following week.
For subjects whose technical requirements make the existing laboratories essential, MHESI may consider access on a case-by-case basis, particularly during examinations. Faculties must first prepare clear access plans, with police coordinating strict security measures to protect students, staff and the surrounding public.
The Rajamangala university network will also support teaching and laboratory provision in logistics, architecture, civil engineering and construction, according to Patdarasm.
Education plans for the existing site and industry placements
Chulalongkorn University has confirmed that the existing Uthenthawai site will not be used for commercial purposes, Patdarasm said. Discussions will instead focus on developing the area for education, lifelong learning and innovation.
Pathumwan Institute of Technology is pursuing cooperation with industry to give students opportunities to learn and gain practical experience in workplaces. The arrangements aim to develop skills, provide income during their studies and improve employment prospects after graduation.
Patdarasm said the government and MHESI understood students’ attachment to their institutions and the disruption caused by the changes. Both would listen to stakeholders’ concerns and coordinate support so that teaching could continue, students received fair treatment, and all parties could work towards a solution consistent with the law and public safety.
