Thammasat University professors under scrutiny due to sexual misconduct accusations
Thammasat University's Faculty of Political Science faces growing scrutiny after allegations surfaced that some of its members participated in a private online chat group that disparaged female students with sexually explicit and derogatory comments. The controversy, which initially surfaced on social media platform X, saw screenshots shared displaying images of female students alongside vulgar, sexualized language. Remarks such as "which one to make a baby with" and explicit slurs were reportedly used. The president of the Thammasat University Student Union was among the targeted individuals.
The scandal has sparked indignation both within and beyond the educational institution, with Feminists for friends—a student-led activist group from the faculty—issuing a firm statement denouncing the harassment and demanding urgent action. Emphasizing the importance of universities being safe havens free from violence and the culture of acquiescence that can allow such behavior to persist, the group called for the accountability of those involved.
Responding to the public outcry, the Faculty of Political Science acknowledged that it received formal complaints from two students on May 8. The faculty informed the complainants of their rights under university procedures and, following a joint decision by both students, an official petition was submitted on May 12.
A fact-finding committee was established on May 14, consisting of three members—two women and one man—with an external social work expert included. The committee convened for its first meeting on May 26, and neither of the complainants raised objections to the committee's composition.
As the investigation continues, the faculty has pledged its commitment to ensuring fairness, transparency, and strict confidentiality throughout the process. The university has initiated a broader investigation into the incident following the social media exposure, and some male members of the alleged chat group have publicly apologized and offered cooperation with the disciplinary proceedings.
As of the latest reports, the university has yet to announce any definitive findings or take final disciplinary actions in the case [1][2].
- The scandal at Thammasat University's Faculty of Political Science, involving sexually explicit and derogatory comments against female students, has expanded the discussion beyond just health-and-wellness matters to include sexual health and education-and-self-development, as students and activists demand a safer environment for learning and self-improvement.
- In the realm of general news, crime-and-justice issues have arisen as the university initiates a broader investigation into the incident, emphasizing the need for accountability and fairness while maintaining confidentiality, in line with the principles of justice.
- As Thammasat University navigates the investigation and implications of the recent scandal, it is crucial to supporters of health-and-wellness that universities foster an atmosphere of respect and mutual understanding, beyond gender, race, or any other discriminatory factor, to promote a culture of empathy, equal rights, and dignity.
