CMU Students and Alumni Sue University, President Over Ang Kaew Dormitory and Fai Hin Flats Demolition, Seek Emergency Injunction to Halt Further Work
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On 14 October 2026, representatives of Chiang Mai University students and alumni filed a lawsuit against Chiang Mai University (CMU) and its President with the Chiang Mai Administrative Court over the demolition of Ang Kaew Women’s Dormitory and the Fai Hin Flats. The plaintiffs also requested provisional protection and an emergency hearing to halt further demolition of the remaining structures.
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The lawsuit follows CMU’s decision to proceed with the demolition despite opposition from students, alumni and professional organisations.
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The two buildings are examples of modern architecture designed by Amorn Sriwong and Arun Chaiseri. The plaintiffs argue that they hold historical, architectural and engineering value, but were put up for demolition through an auction process without any apparent formal assessment of their significance before the university made its decision.
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The plaintiffs said CMU’s actions may be unlawful, citing a letter from the Chiang Mai Provincial Treasury Office stating that the two buildings were constructed before 1987 and may therefore constitute state property.
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According to the plaintiffs, the letter also stated that CMU, as an autonomous university rather than a government agency authorised to use state property, does not have the authority to demolish such buildings on its own and must first obtain permission from the Treasury Department.
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The plaintiffs also cited Treasury Department procedures under relevant ministerial regulations, which call for consideration of appointing a joint committee to assess buildings that may have conservation value before demolition.
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Despite submissions from several organisations outlining the historical, architectural and engineering significance of the buildings, CMU continued demolishing Ang Kaew Dormitory without any apparent formal or substantive assessment of those values, the plaintiffs said.
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They also raised concerns that the university has yet to disclose the structural engineering report used to justify the demolition. This comes despite an assessment by the Consulting Engineers Association of Thailand that the buildings could be repaired or structurally reinforced.
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The plaintiffs further said that related documents and information have not been disclosed, despite requests filed under Thailand’s Official Information Act.
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They are asking the Administrative Court to revoke the order or resolution authorising the demolition and to issue provisional measures suspending further demolition of the remaining structures. They also seek a process in which experts can jointly inspect the buildings, assess their significance and examine whether they can be renovated and put back into use in a transparent manner.
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Although parts of the buildings have already been demolished, the plaintiffs said the case remains important for protecting the university’s architectural and historical heritage.
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If the damaged sections ultimately cannot be restored, they argue that CMU should provide appropriate remedies for the loss of what they describe as a learning resource belonging to both the university community and wider society. They also call for public participation in determining the future of the site, rather than leaving the decision solely to the university.
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The plaintiffs said the lawsuit is a response to what they view as the university’s failure to adequately address objections or allow meaningful participation from its community. They hope the case will establish a precedent for greater scrutiny over how universities exercise their authority and prevent historically or architecturally significant buildings from being demolished without a thorough review process.
Nine years ago, Sam Yan Press published its very first book, Time Is on Our Side, to celebrate Joshua Wong’s 21st birthday and express our solidarity with him during his imprisonment. Not long afterward, Joshua regained his freedom.
Happy 30th birthday, Joshua. The whole world is rooting for you.
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IS TIME STILL ON OUR SIDE?: A Book for Joshua Wong’s 30th Birthday is here.
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Today, October 13, 2026, Joshua turns thirty. Once again, he is spending his birthday behind bars.
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Read here:
https://t.co/B2VEknJNF7