Rajamangala University of Technology Suvarnabhumi (RMUTSB) has taken decisive action by expelling four students believed to be involved in a brutal hazing incident that left a first-year engineering student with serious injuries. According to a Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation (MHESRI) official named Suchada Thaensap, this incident, which occurred on Thursday, was captured on campus CCTV, revealing a fraught scene of abuse and misconduct.
In total, eight students have been implicated in orchestrating this harrowing hazing ritual. As the investigation presses on, four have already faced expulsion, while the roles of the remaining four continue to be scrutinized. Ms. Thaensap suggested that they too might face similar consequences pending the ongoing probe.
RMUTSB has committed its full support to the ministry’s investigation, with an anticipated conclusion within the next two days. The deeply troubling details of the hazing, described as military-style training that veered into extreme physical abuse, have painted a dark picture. Among the freshman subjected to this nightmarish treatment was a 20-year-old engineering student who reportedly endured grotesque punishments, including being torched while naked.
Unable to endure the relentless abuse, the victim, accompanied by his parents, approached the university faculty, seeking relocation to avoid further torment by senior students. However, their apprehensions were realized when talks with faculty were abruptly interrupted; nearly ten senior students ambushed them, taunting and kicking the freshman until he collapsed. The frenzied attack also saw his father assaulted as he attempted to shield his son, while his mother, identified only as Wan, was forcibly shoved aside.
In a desperate bid for justice, the victim and his parents, with the support of prominent online activist Guntouch Pongpaiboonwet (known as Gun Jom Phalang), approached the ministry on Monday to lodge a formal complaint. Mr. Guntouch asserted that some hazing activities transpired in secluded forest areas, potentially involving expelled students and even alumni, raising alarming questions regarding the deeply entrenched, misguided belief in extreme hazing as a means of fostering student unity.
Ms. Thaensap underscored the university’s accountability, noting that any abuse stemming from negligence could result in the institution being held liable. Meanwhile, Sanya Khamjing, RMUTSB’s deputy director, confirmed that an internal investigation is also underway, emphasizing the university’s full cooperation with the ministry. He affirmed that only a small fraction of students engage in such extreme hazing rituals, in a bid to distance the broader student body from the villainy of a select few.
The harrowing incident serves as a chilling reminder of the potential danger lurking within traditions meant to promote camaraderie but can spiral into unchecked brutality. As the investigation unfolds, both the university and the ministry are resolute in delivering justice, ensuring that those responsible for this appalling hazing incident face the full brunt of disciplinary actions.
Expulsion is not enough. These students should face criminal charges for assault and battery. The victim deserves justice!
I totally agree, Larry. Mere expulsion won’t deter future bullies. Legal action is a must.
I’m not sure if jail is the answer, but they definitely need more than just expulsion. Maybe mandatory counseling and community service?
Counseling and community service are fine, but these students committed severe crimes. They need to be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.
Criminal charges are extreme. They are just kids, after all. Maybe severe disciplinary actions within the university are enough?
This whole hazing culture is toxic! It’s disgusting that these traditions still persist in 2023.
Agreed. Hazing has absolutely no place in modern society. It’s high time universities took definitive action.
But aren’t these rituals supposed to build camaraderie and unity? Maybe they just need to be regulated better?
Regulation won’t stop the abuse, Megan. The concept itself needs to be abolished. No one should have to endure this kind of treatment to feel a part of a group.
My heart breaks for the families involved. The parents were trying to protect their child and ended up assaulted themselves. Unbelievable.
It’s horrifying. I hope the university covers all medical expenses and offers mental health support.
I heard the activists might help with legal action and psychological support too. This situation is a complete betrayal of the trust parents place in educational institutions.
Ending these traditions is easier said than done. There’s often a deeply ingrained culture and resistance from alumni.
That’s true, Ruben. Change takes time and consistent effort, but the first step is recognizing and condemning these actions publicly.
Absolutely. This incident getting this much attention may ironically be a catalyst for the broader change we need.
When I was in college, hazing was considered normal. It’s appalling how little has changed.
I can’t believe people treated it as normal, Sandy. Even if it was tradition, it’s inhumane.
True, Caleb. Many of us look back with regret, wishing we had spoken up sooner.
Will these expelled students have this on their permanent record?
Usually expulsion is noted on their academic records, but whether future institutions take it as a dealbreaker depends.
A legal overhaul might be necessary to classify extreme hazing under more stringent laws.
That’s a great point! Laws need to reflect the severity of these actions and the trauma they cause.
I don’t get why anyone would want to hurt another student. This could’ve been any of us. Scary stuff.
It’s a power trip, Milo. They think it earns them respect, but all it does is show cowardice and abuse of power.
This news will definitely impact the university’s reputation. They’re in big trouble.
Why has the ministry just started looking into this now? Were there no warning signs before?
That’s what bothers me too. This cannot be the first incident. There must have been previous complaints that were ignored.
I hope this leads to tighter regulations and real change across all universities, not just this one.
The activism shown here is commendable. More public support might bring a broader change.
Yes! Activism is key. If we stay silent, nothing will change.
Were none of the administration aware of this? Their ignorance is unbelievable.
Maybe they knew but preferred to sweep it under the rug to avoid bad publicity.
I wonder what reforms the university will put in place after this incident.
The victim’s bravery in coming forward with their story should be applauded. I can’t imagine how difficult it must have been.