The Department of Special Investigation has launched an investigation of World Peace University. The DSI alleges that the organization is misleading the public by declaring itself a university, although it has never attained the status of a higher-education institute by the Thai government. World Peace University does not hold any classes. Rather, the entity awards honorary bachelor, masters and doctorate degrees to those in society who have done goods deeds and promoted world peace. The only requirement is a minimum payment of between 15,000 and 350,000 baht, entitling the recipient to use the World Peace degree publicity. Supanut Donchan, registrar and acting rector of World Peace, said the organization was established in order to grant honorary doctorate degrees to persons who contribute to society in fields related to world peace, such as media, marketing and creativity. "I am willing to face the DSI investigation because I believe that the granting of honorary doctorate degrees does no harm to anyone," said Supanut.
Bangkok Post
Yuenyong Opakul, lead singer of rock band Carabao, said recently in an interview that Rajamangala University of Technology Tawan-ok should retain ownership of the land where its Uthen Thawai campus is located. The conflict between Chulalongkorn University and Rajamangala University of Technology Tawan-ok has lingered for years, as both parties claim full rights to the 21-rai estate. Opakul, aka “Aed Carabao,” said in the interview with MThai that the university had long been the legal owner of the land, dating from the administration of Field Marshal Plaek Phibunsongkhram in the late 1930s and early 1940s. The change in ownership made during that time created a battle between the two educational institutions, which has lasted until the present. Aed Carabao is a alumnus of Uthen Thawai.
Coconuts Bangkok
Japan Tobacco has filed a lawsuit to block a plan by the Thai government to require graphic warnings on cigarette packages to cover 85% of the package space, leaving only 15% left for the brand name. The Japanese company said the measure violates Thailand's constitutional provisions guaranteeing freedom of expression. The Thai Tobacco Trade Association, a group of 1,400 retailers, wholesalers and distributors, and cigarette company Philip Morris Thailand are also planning to file similar lawsuits. If the plan goes into effect, Thailand will have the world's largest graphic warnings on cigarette packs. Pornthep Siriwanarangsun, director-general of the Thai Disease Control Department, said she was ready to fight the lawsuit. "It is for the protection of people's health. We aren't concerned about the lawsuits."
Bangkok Post