Two ‘celebrity’ monks face House committee over controversial livestream session

13 Sept 13:10 Key points summarised by AI

Two prominent monks, Phra Maha Sompong Talaputto and Phra Maha Praiwan Worawano, appeared before a parliamentary committee to defend their recent controversial Facebook livestream.
Their live session, which drew a large audience, sparked criticism for its use of teenage slang, giggles, and discussions on current and political affairs, deemed improper for Buddhist monks.
Phra Maha Sompong defended their method as an engaging approach, while Phra Maha Praiwan dismissed the issue as minor, confirming plans for new, adjusted livestream sessions.

Uthenthawai students and alumni declare truce with Pathumwan rivals

Yesterday 20:34 Key points summarised by AI

Uthenthawai students and alumni have pledged to cease violent clashes with Pathumwan Institute rivals, coinciding with their campus's reopening after a 90-day closure.
The Minister of Higher Education is mediating the long-running conflict, while the campus closure has significantly disrupted in-person classes and laboratory work for over 1,000 students.
Uthenthawai resists relocation from its current site, citing a historical land grant from King Rama VI, despite Chulalongkorn University's plans to reclaim the land for an educational hub.
Concerns are mounting over the legality of the campus closure, its detrimental impact on uninvolved students, and the potential commercial development of the land, which critics argue contradicts the late King Rama VI's intentions.