An image from the music video for SOTUS, released in 2020 by Rap Against Dictatorship, vividly sheds light on abusive hazing rituals prevalent in Thailand. SOTUS stands for “Seniority Order Tradition Unity and Spirit,” but, in reality, these rituals often involve senior students bullying and humiliating freshmen, causing great distress and harm. (Photo: Rap Against Dictatorship Facebook Page)
In a resolute step towards eradicating violence in educational institutions, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation has vowed to put an end to these brutal practices following a shocking hazing incident that left a first-year engineering student gravely injured. Suchada Taensap, acting as secretary to the caretaker minister, affirmed the ministry’s commitment to fully cooperate with police investigations after engaging with officials at Muang Nonthaburi police station on Saturday.
The horrific incident was reported by the victim’s parents, who lodged a formal complaint with authorities on August 15. Their 20-year-old son, a freshman at Rajamangala University of Technology Suvarnabhumi, was brutally assaulted by a group of students on the university’s Nonthaburi campus after attempting to withdraw from a hazing activity. Shockingly, his father was also reportedly assaulted during the episode.
Ms. Suchada stressed that university management must suspend all students involved in the violence and expel them if they are found guilty of violating university regulations. “Police are investigating how many people were involved and whether the injuries sustained by the student were a result of the hazing ritual,” she declared.
Pol Col Jaturon Anurakbundit, superintendent of Muang Nonthaburi station, mentioned that officers have reviewed surveillance camera footage and successfully identified all suspects. Arrest warrants are expected to be issued soon, following further interviews with the victim, his parents, and a review of medical records. The university has shown full cooperation in the investigation.
Kritsana Jirasarnsawat, deputy dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, asserted that the university strictly prohibits any hazing activities and is ready to take severe actions against the culprits.
On Saturday, police conducted an inspection at a site in Bang Bua Thong district in Nonthaburi, where the hazing activity allegedly took place. Accompanying them was social media activist Guntouch Pongpaiboonwet, widely known as Gun Jom Phalang. Guntouch’s involvement underscores the societal disgust towards these violent acts.
Mr. Guntouch disclosed that the perpetrators force new students to partake in rigorous, military-like training exercises that include physical abuse and cruel punishments, such as being torched while naked. He also alleged that money is extorted weekly to bail out those convicted by law, likening their behavior to that of a criminal gang.
Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident. A similar, violent hazing ritual in 2022 resulted in the tragic death of a 19-year-old freshman at Rajamangala University of Technology Isan in Nakhon Ratchasima, marking a grim reminder of the real dangers and grave consequences of these appalling practices.
It’s about time the authorities stepped in. These hazing rituals are barbaric and have no place in modern education!
I couldn’t agree more. What shocks me the most is that these traditions have been tolerated for so long.
Totally! It’s so hypocritical to preach about education and yet overlook such inhumane practices.
I think we might be overreacting. Hazing builds character and unity among students.
Building character? More like instilling fear and perpetuating violence. That’s not unity!
Exactly. If you need to harm others to bond, then there’s something deeply wrong with that culture.
I hope those responsible are severely punished. These students are acting like criminals.
Criminals is right. They should be expelled and face legal charges.
Yes, and the ones who cover it up should also be held accountable.
But what about the university? Shouldn’t they be held responsible for allowing this to happen?
Absolutely. The university must enforce stricter regulations and ensure a safe environment.
This hazing stuff is just crazy. Can’t believe they still do this.
It’s not just crazy, it’s dangerous and needs to stop immediately.
My heart goes out to the families affected. No one should have to go through this nightmare.
Absolutely heartbreaking. I hope they find justice.
Guntouch Pongpaiboonwet is a hero for shining light on this issue. We need more activists like him.
Absolutely. Activists play a crucial role in bringing these issues to the forefront.
Couldn’t agree more. Social media activism has real power.
I’m shocked that financial extortion is part of the hazing rituals. This sounds more like organized crime than student activities!
These rituals must have deeper cultural roots. While we condemn the violence, we should also understand the cultural context.
Deeper roots, perhaps, but that’s no excuse for abuse and violence.
Understanding context doesn’t mean accepting it. We must reject harmful traditions.
Where were the university staff when these events occurred? More oversight is clearly needed.
Staff are often overwhelmed or intimidated themselves. A systemic change is required.
The Rajamangala University incident reminds me of the tragic event last year. When will it end?
As much as I detest these actions, I wonder if banning them outright will just push these rituals underground.
The perpetrators should be named and shamed publicly. Let everyone know who they are.
Public shaming can lead to more violence. Legal action is the right path.
Why hasn’t there been more international attention on Thai hazing? It’s a human rights issue!
International pressure could really help drive reforms in these universities.
This is sickening. More universities worldwide should ban hazing outright to set a global standard.
The root problem is the toxic need for power and control among older students. This mindset has to change.
Agreed, it’s about power dynamics. Education on healthy relationships is necessary.
These hazing rituals sound more like medieval torture sessions. Hard to believe this happens in 2023.
And yet here we are. It’s a sad commentary on some aspects of human nature.