About 1,000 students from Naresuan University in Phitsanulok province on Tuesday gathered in front of the president’s office to protest a "green university" project that prohibits them from using motorbikes on campus.
Motorbike use to travel between buildings was banned between 8am and 5pm to reduce air pollution and global warming. Students can still drive motorbikes to school, but were asked to use bicycles and electric carts to get between classes or other buildings.
Walking also was available as an unpopular option.
The protest began at about 1pm with students seeking permission to meet university president Sujin Jinayon, but to no avail. They shifted the demonstration site to an entrance gate, blocking it with motorcycles and blowing horns.
The students said they were unhappy with the 'green" initiative, complaining it curtailed their rights and treated them unequally as cars were still allowed inside the campus perimeter. They found it inconvenient to use bicycles and there are not enough electric carts available, they added.
They earlier tried to meet the university president twice but their requests were turned down.