Korchoke Chantawarangul, acting deputy rector of KU's Si Racha campus in Chon Buri, said Sunday the 19-year-old male first-year student swam in the campus pond during a physical training session which was part of a study course at the university's International Maritime College. The incident did not take place during a hazing ceremony as claimed in social media. Mr Korchoke also denied the pond was for wastewater treatment. It was in fact dug to collect rainwater for the college's training, he said, adding students have used it regularly over the years.
The activity was also overseen by professors and senior students as it was attended by about 100 other freshmen. The students are required to undergo physical training in preparation for marine operations during their third and fourth years in the college, he added.Mr Korchoke's comments came after was rushed to Laem Chabang Hospital and later referred to an intensive care unit at Chon Buri Hospital with a lung infection on Sept 8. The incident was "reported" in social media alleging the freshman was told by senior students to dip into a two-metre-deep wastewater treatment pond as part of hazing activities the same day.