The father of a Kasetsart University freshman who was saved from drowning in a pond allegedly during a hazing ceremony vowed to sue the university if his son, now being treated in an intensive care unit, cannot recover.
Amphon Thongnuakhao told the Bangkok Post Tuesday he would sue as a last resort. He would prefer not to take legal action and escalate the issue "because I still want to see my son study here until graduation".
If his son, Mr Chokchai, fully recovers and resumes a normal life, the problem will come to an end, he said. He added there is nothing he and his wife want more than seeing their son healthy again and Chokchai's improving condition announced Tuesday by doctors at Chon Buri Hospital put him in a jubilant mood.
Though Mr Chokchai is still being treated in ICU, he no longer has to depend on a respirator. The 19-year-old can sit, open his eyes and respond to calls, said Chon Buri Hospital director Chutidt Tap-ongkharak.
Doctors need to keep a close watch on his condition for another 24 hours and then will decide whether he can leave the ICU, he said.
Mr Chokchai was first taken to Laem Chabang Hospital after the incident on Friday when he was spotted sinking in a pond at the university's Si Racha campus in Chon Buri.
He was pulled out of the water and later diagnosed as suffering from a lung infection.
It is still uncertain whether the accident occurred during a recent university hazing ritual. While social media slammed senior students for their alleged risk-taking, the university insisted nobody ordered Mr Chokchai to swim in the pond, which is used to store rainwater.
It was not a hazing ceremony, but an activity to unveil "senior students who will take care of freshmen", said Vice Admiral Nirut Hongprasit, dean of the university's Faculty of International Maritime Studies, where Mr Chokchai is studying.
Though it is unclear which side is correct, Mr Amphon called on the government to "reform" hazing ceremonies in universities by making sure they are not harmful activities.
The university is sorry for the accident and will take responsibility for all Mr Chokchai's medical expenses, he said. "Everyone is happy to learn of his latest condition," he said. "Things should be settled soon."
Meanwhile, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has expressed concerns regarding the effects of Seniority, Order, Tradition, Unity, and Spirit (SOTUS) activities -- known as hazing -- on students' physical and psychological health.
The commission has received several complaints, concerning different universities, said NHRC member Chatsuda Chandeeying.
While most new students take part in SOTUS activities voluntarily, many feel pressured by their seniors and peers, and fear they won't fit in if they do not participate, Ms Chatsuda added.
"Many are reluctant to join in the activities but feel constrained too," she said.
In the past, the NHRC has held discussions with the top management at universities where SOTUS-related incidents occurred.
Ms Chatsuda advised universities must attach the utmost importance to SOTUS activities organised by their students to ensure they do not get out of hand.