Pathumwan Tech campus closed, classes online, to avoid anniversary brawls

The Pathumwan Institute of Technology campus has been closed for a month and courses moved online to pre-empt possible clashes with rival schools as it celebrates its 94th anniversary on Aug 1. The institute announced the closure of the campus from Sunday July 12 until Aug 8 for all students and classes, with only teachers and other personnel allowed in  through the gate. All courses and workshop classes will be conducted online during the four weeks, the  announcement said. The measure was deemed necessary to avoid possible brawling with students from  Rajamangala University of Technology Uthenthawai campus during the anniversary celebration. Present and former students were expected to visit the school during this time and the atmosphere could escalate into violence. Pathumwan Institute of Technology was flounded on Aug 1, 1932. Pathumwan Tech and nearby Uthenthawai vocational school have a long history of rivalry and have in the past brawled violently in the streets. Subscribe to our newsletters for daily updates, breaking news and exclusive content.