In Thailand, fights between students from rival technical colleges have been happening for years (and it was in the news again just recently as rival mobs went toe to toe in the popular MBK shopping centre). 

These clashes can be anything from small scuffles to serious street brawls, sometimes leading to injuries or even worse. But why do they keep fighting? To get to the bottom of it, we need to look at cultural, social, and school-related reasons that keep this cycle going.

Rivalries and grudges

One big reason is the deep-rooted rivalries between technical schools. These feuds have been around for generations, with students carrying on the grudges of those before them. It’s all about pride and loyalty. Many see students from other schools as automatic enemies. Technical school students often form close-knit groups, almost like gangs or fraternities. While this bond can be a good thing, it can also fuel aggression. If one student feels insulted or disrespected, their friends may jump in to back them up, turning a small argument into an all-out fight.

Thai culture places a lot of importance on honor and saving face. If a student feels embarrassed or disrespected, they often feel like they have no choice but to fight back. This mindset leads to never-ending cycles of revenge, with new students picking up old grudges. Even though the authorities and schools try to crack down on violence, their efforts don’t always work. Many schools struggle to control what happens outside of class, and some teachers even ignore the problem. Plus, punishments for student fights are often too light, which doesn’t do much to stop the violence.

Feeling inferior

Many technical school students come from working-class families and face financial struggles. This can lead to frustration, and for some, fighting becomes a way to deal with their problems. Others might feel like society looks down on them, so they turn to violence to prove themselves. Senior students (pii) in Thai technical schools often assert dominance over juniors (nong). Hazing and initiation rituals sometimes involve physical abuse, making violence seem normal. Eventually, the younger students fight back, keeping the cycle going.

Movies, TV shows, and social media often glamorize technical students as tough and rebellious, making fighting seem cool. Some students see it as a way to earn respect or boost their reputation.

What are the solutions?

So what can be done? Some possible solutions include stricter law enforcement, better school policies focused on conflict resolution, awareness programs about the consequences of violence, more vocational opportunities to give students better options, and extracurricular activities that encourage teamwork rather than aggression.

Fights between technical school students in Thailand aren’t just random - they come from deep-rooted cultural and social factors. Fixing the problem will take a joint effort from schools, the police, families, and society. Only by addressing the root causes can Thailand break the cycle of violence and create a safer future for students.