The father of a Kasetsart University (KU) freshman who almost drowned in a pond during an alleged hazing ceremony has called on Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to draft a law to ban improper hazing activities.

Amporn Thongnuakhao, 54, father of Chokchai Thongnuakhao, a first-year student at KU's Si Racha campus in Chon Buri, on Friday submitted an open letter to the premier at the complaint centre at Government House.

The letter urged the government to draft a bill to regulate hazing ceremonies in which students were forced to partake in inappropriate or dangerous activities. Mr Amporn was also accompanied by civic groups and students from several universities who were concerned about student safety. The letter was accepted by acting centre director Somphong Waithanomsat.

In the letter, the groups called on the government, the Education Ministry and state agencies to draft the law or amend regulations to ban all university activities deemed to jeopardise the safety and rights of students to prevent loss and damage to their lives.

Severe punishments must be imposed on university executives and education staff who failed to regulate hazing ceremonies as well as people who coerced students into carrying out inappropriate activities. Alcoholic drinks, gambling, weapons and illegal drugs must be banned from all activities. Help also must be arranged for victims and their families who were affected by improper hazing activities, read the letter.

Mr Chokchai, 19, was released from hospital yesterday after receiving treatment for a lung infection. He was rescued from drowning during the alleged hazing activity held by the university's International Maritime College on Sept 8.

However, Mr Chokchai later insisted it was an accident resulting from him getting a cramp while in the pond. He denies the accident happened during a hazing activity in which he was ordered by senior students to get into the pond.

Source:
courtesy of BANGKOK POST

by Bangkok Post

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