An evocative still from the “SOTUS” music video by the revolutionary group Rap Against Dictatorship, released in 2020, starkly highlights the grim reality of abusive hazing rituals that plague Thailand. The acronym SOTUS represents “Seniority Order Tradition Unity and Spirit,” yet, paradoxically, these rituals often subject freshmen to severe bullying and humiliation. (Photo: Rap Against Dictatorship Facebook Page)
The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation has now vowed to put an end to such violent practices within educational environments, catalyzed by a particularly harrowing hazing incident that left a first-year engineering student gravely injured. Suchada Taensap, the secretary to the caretaker minister, revealed that the ministry would collaborate comprehensively with police authorities. This announcement followed a meeting with investigators at the Muang Nonthaburi police station on Saturday.
The distressed parents of the victim lodged a formal complaint on August 15th, after their 20-year-old son, a freshman at Rajamangala University of Technology Suvarnabhumi, fell victim to a brutal attack by a group of students. According to the complaint, the assault occurred on the university’s Nonthaburi campus when he sought permission to exit a hazing activity. The violence extended to his father, who was also allegedly assaulted during the incident.
Ms. Suchada emphasized that the university administration must suspend all students implicated in the violence and expel those found guilty of violating institutional regulations. “The police are delving into how many individuals were involved and whether the student’s injuries were directly related to the hazing rituals,” she stated.
Pol Col Jaturon Anurakbundit, the superintendent of Muang Nonthaburi station, confirmed that the officers had reviewed surveillance footage and successfully identified all suspects. He reassured that arrest warrants would soon follow additional interviews with the victim and his parents, alongside acquiring the necessary medical records. The university has reportedly extended full cooperation during the investigation.
Kritsana Jirasarnsawat, the deputy dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, asserted that hazing activities are explicitly prohibited by the university, promising stringent measures against the culprits.
The police, on Saturday, inspected a site in Nonthaburi’s Bang Bua Thong district, the alleged location of the brutal hazing incident. Accompanying them was the social media activist and fervent campaigner against hazing, Guntouch Pongpaiboonwet, popularly known as Gun Jom Phalang.
Mr. Guntouch divulged that the offenders forcefully enlist new students in grueling, military-esque training regimens rife with physical abuse and inhumane punishments, such as being tortured while naked. He claimed that money is routinely collected to bail out those convicted by law, portraying the perpetrators as akin to a criminal gang.
The dark history of violent hazing is not unprecedented. In a tragic incident in 2022, a 19-year-old freshman at Rajamangala University of Technology Isan in Nakhon Ratchasima lost his life due to a similarly brutal hazing ritual. Such instances underscore the urgent need for reform and the elimination of these barbaric practices from educational institutions, ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all students.
Finally! It’s about time the Ministry took action against hazing! These practices are barbaric.
Totally agree, John. It’s shocking this has been tolerated for so long.
But aren’t there less violent ways to instill discipline and camaraderie among students? This is absurd!
I can’t believe people still think hazing has any positive outcome. It’s just power-tripping gone wrong.
As someone who went through a mild form of hazing, I can say it does create a bond, but the violence is unnecessary.
Jonah, how can causing harm ever be justified for the sake of ‘bonding’? It’s insane to even suggest that.
You’re right, Sarah. I don’t condone violence at all. There must be better ways to create unity.
It’s about control. Older students feel powerful by making others suffer. Simple as that.
The fact that the victim’s father was also assaulted shows how out of control this is.
Honestly, the hazers should face criminal charges. This isn’t just a school issue.
But will the legal system actually follow through? Too often, these students get away with a slap on the wrist.
They definitely should. Parents have a right to protect their kids. These hazers acted like criminals.
Agreed, Alex. It’s not just about disciplinary actions within the school. It’s assault!
I wonder if the universities are really on board with stopping hazing or just saying it to avoid bad press.
Good point, Charlie. Actions speak louder than words. Let’s see what they actually do.
Watch them make a token effort and hope the scandal blows over.
This needs more attention! If this were happening in another country, people would be outraged.
It’s quite alarming that such horrific practices are still present in educational institutions. Abolishing hazing is only the first step.
Absolutely, Oliver. Adding more support systems for freshmen is essential too.
The deputy dean’s promise sounds empty. They always say such things after a scandal.
Kudos to the police for taking swift action to identify the culprits. Now they need to follow through with strict penalties.
Indeed, Gail. The real test is in the punishment. It needs to be a deterrent.
Exactly! If the penalties are weak, it sends a message that hazing is still tolerable.
Working with activists like Gun Jom Phalang can amplify their efforts.
Cases like this reveal a systemic problem. The culture of hazing needs to change from within.
You nailed it, Liam. It’s not enough to punish a few individuals. The whole approach to initiation needs reform.
The hazing rituals sound so extreme, almost like torture! How is this happening in places of education?
It’s baffling, Victor. Somehow these archaic practices persist unnoticed until tragedies happen.