Bangkok: A violent clash erupted between students from Uten Thani College and Pathumwan Technology College on the 3rd floor of the BTS Siam station, resulting in two students from Pathumwan Technology College being stabbed. Police suspect the altercation was arranged via social media and are contemplating suspending online learning for those involved.
According to Thai News Agency, the conflict saw approximately 30 students from each college confronting each other, leading to chaos despite police presence aimed at preventing such incidents. Authorities intervened promptly, but two students, Mr. Phranakhon Na Songkhla, 19, and Mr. Mongkolrat Chuitoh, 21, were injured with stab wounds and transported to the hospital. Their condition is reported to be stable.
Pol. Col. Sirichat Chanpromma, Superintendent of Pathumwan Police Station, stated that preventive measures were in place, including officer deployment at strategic locations within the BTS station. Despite these efforts, some students managed to bypass security and engage in violence. The clash is believed to be linked to a previous altercation on the skywalk last week, with social media suspected of playing a role in coordinating today's confrontation.
Faculty members of the injured students filed a report at Pathumwan Police Station, where police are currently reviewing CCTV footage and interviewing witnesses to identify the perpetrators. Discussions with both educational institutions have highlighted a need to revisit student travel schedules to avoid future incidents.
Police are considering additional preventative measures, such as staggering travel times and potentially reverting to online learning if the threat of further violence persists. Senior police commanders have directed Pathumwan Police Station to compile a comprehensive report on the incident for discussions with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, aiming for long-term solutions requiring cooperation from all stakeholders.
In the past, police have successfully reduced firearm incidents through rigorous weapon searches, confiscating over 10 knives monthly from students. Both colleges enforce strict disciplinary actions against students found with weapons, with expulsion as a possible consequence for carrying firearms. The investigation continues as police work to identify and apprehend all individuals involved in the altercation.