At the beginning of each new academic year such headlines as "14 Freshman in Hospital after Brutal Initiation Rites by Seniors" are common in newspaper.
The tradition of hazing at universities and schools around the world continues despite the humiliation and physical abuse. Many critics say the tradition has no place in a modern society and that it does more harm than good, but still the tradition continue.
In many Thai universities,freshman have to participate in cheering activities organised by the senior students. They are ordered to sing their school song or respond quickly and correctly to all the questions about the university as if they helped found the school themselves.
"The main purpose of the initiation rite is to build close relationships among freshmen as well as with the senior students. They also learn about the history of the faculty and university," said Sutida Wimuttikosol,21,a university senior. "Senior also learn to apply managerial skills and practice their leadership skills since they have to be responsible for planning and running the event," she added.
While seniors who organize the initiations believe that their activities are positive and constructive, others regard the initiation rites as abuse.
"I don't agree with some of the initiation rites such as asking freshmen to lie down on the floor when being punished. The objectives of promoting good relationships and respecting your school are great, but they should be properly applied. The seniors don't have the right to punish the younger students like they usually do," Janjira Jittaviriypong, lecturer at king Mongkut
University initiation rituals are facing a clampdown due to their bad reputation and bad publicity, while off-campus initiation rituals have been banned,most likely forever. The same is true for the intimidation known as "wark" by seniors -- the practice involving lots of shouting and sometimes punishment aimed at enforcing discipline or respect for seniority,or simply having fun.
"We know the majority of activities are conducted in good faith, but there has been real concern an d bad feeling among the public," said Pavich Thongroj, Secretary
-General of the Commission of Higher Education. He admitted the initiation rituals originally were intended to be good fun and beneficial,and in that sense they should be maintained with close supervision.