PUBLISHED: 23 Mar 2025 at 16:10
The Minister of Higher Education has urged for enhanced security protocols in shopping malls following a violent incident at MBK Center in Bangkok. The clash occurred on Saturday evening, prompting immediate calls for action to prevent a recurrence of such disturbances.
Minister Supamas Isarabhakdi announced on Sunday that she will request the Royal Thai Police to bolster security in areas deemed high-risk and to keep a closer watch on students known for past rivalries, aiming to avert future confrontations.
“This incident is unacceptable and has disrupted the peace for innocent bystanders. We must implement stricter measures to prevent such occurrences and ensure accountability for those involved,” the Minister stated.
Supamas highlighted that the conflict involved students from Rajamangala University of Technology’s Uthenthawai Campus and Pathumwan Institute of Technology, both situated near the bustling Pathumwan intersection where MBK Center is located.
Previous clashes between these student bodies have affected the safety of the public, particularly at crowded venues like MBK Center.
The fight erupted at 7:15 PM in the food court on the sixth floor, causing alarm among patrons. Reports indicated that five students sustained injuries, with two suffering serious stab wounds requiring hospitalization in the intensive care unit of a nearby facility.
Authorities have detained four students from the two institutions, who claimed they encountered their rivals unexpectedly at the food court. Officials believe that at least ten students from each group were involved in the altercation.
Police sources revealed that while students may have arrived separately, they tend to gather in larger groups within the shopping center. To address this, security personnel at MBK Center will now conduct thorough checks of visitors for weapons as a preventative measure.
