Male freshmen were ordered to feel each other's crotch, lick each other's nipples and eat a disgusting mixture of pumpkin, fermented fish and discarded vegetables -- things that look like faeces. Refuse, and the senior would escalate the punishment.
A hazing ceremony that took place earlier this month at a university in the northeastern province of Maha Sarakham is yet another example that has stirred public debate. There was a public outcry when it came to light that freshmen were forced to crawl in dirty mud, clothes torn into pieces, and force-fed something barely edible. After the condemnation intensified, student representatives from the university were quick to come out and apologise.
But the incident is not isolated. Last year, a student was drowned during a rab nong ceremony -- in fact at least six students were killed in the past 10 years during aggressive hazing rituals. And yet, every new term, the hazing rituals at some universities get out of control. Despite growing calls from student bodies and activists to stop out-of-line initiation activities, every year students report being teased, humiliated, abused and hurt, some even killed.
In many universities, freshmen have no choice but to join the ceremony, to be accepted as members of their institutes. Senior students and advocates of the system claim that the psychological torture of the hazing ritual is designed to foster a sense of belonging, respect, discipline, loyalty, morale and solidarity. But psychological torture and physical humiliation, preferred by some hazers, provoke an ongoing debate on the true merits of hazing.
We talked to students from various universities across the country as to what they think of these activities.
Nattharika Pornkhuntod
Faculty of Technology, Mahasarakham University Nattharika considers university initiation ceremonies a tradition.
"It's passed on from one class to another, and has remained the same each year," said the fourth-year student. "It can be something stressful, but seniors ensure that nothing goes wrong. But overall, it's a fun experience where new friendships can be established."
From her experience, hazing can establish teamwork between seniors and freshmen. Her only complaint is that activities can consume a lot of time.
"The activities can be time-consuming, though. Sometimes they can drag on late into the night. What happens? There's not enough time to study or work and this can be detrimental to health and, ultimately, exam results."
Nattharika also thinks there are questions seniors should ask themselves before planning hazing events. "Will it be worth it? Will it be fun for the freshmen? Will it damage the university's reputation? It'd be better if it were an event that allowed freshmen to contribute positively to society. Everyone should be allowed to enjoy them, and seniors shouldn't have fun at the freshmen's expense."
Pattaravadee Kongsincharoenchai
Faculty of Communication Arts, Chulalongkorn University
The department in which Pattaravadee studies is known for its energetic hazing.
"We have this five-day event called Pid-Pew, where we dress up according to different themes each day. At Pid-Pew we also dance along to songs written by the seniors. It allowed me to experience the fun and free side of the faculty because other faculties' initiation events are never this energetic.
"Then there's an event called Hong Cheer [Cheer Room], where freshmen get yelled at by the seniors and are forced to sing and memorise songs. But I guess my favourite part about it is the ending. That's when the seniors finally reveal their humorous sides, telling jokes. Then we got our notebooks signed by classmates and that was a good way of making friends.
"The only downside to initiation rites is that it takes up a lot of time. After class, I'd go straight to Hong Cheer and it would last until night-time. From there, I'd have to go straight home to do work. While I'm not really invested in faculty activities, my curiosity was what compelled me to attend Hong Cheer."
Pattaravadee believes that hazing should be a learning experience for freshmen. "The activity should teach freshmen about how supportive their classmates can be and the sacrifices others in the faculty can make. Staff and faculty should also monitor events to ensure they are safe."
Jidapa Jaturapisanukul
Faculty of Physical Therapy, Mahidol University
To Jidapa, hazing is part of being a university student -- more like a tradition for moving into a new place and opening up yourself up to what's to come.
"It gives you a glimpse of what kind of environment and people you are going to live with for the next four years. It feels like everybody starts from zero and makes new friends from there," said the fourth-year student.
"What impressed me most was how caring and warm the seniors were. They all gave 100% at the activity and took amazing care of us freshmen. It also widens your networks and horizons because you get to meet a bunch of interesting people from all fields."
When asked about her take on the hazing culture in some universities, she said personally, the original meaning of Sotus -- which stands for Seniority, Order, Tradition, Unity and Spirit -- is positive. It unites people. But it's often been misused and twisted. A good hazing ceremony is where all activities make sense, and are culturally appropriate.
"A freshman is a human being too. They must be respected. Imagine being totally new to this place, how would you like to be treated?"
Panupong Prakobkit
Faculty of Humanities, Chiang Mai University
'Doi Suthep trekking was the bright side of initiation ceremonies in our college," Panupong recalled of his hazing four years back. "It was extremely exhausting, but it was pretty fun.
"What I don't like about being a freshman is the Sotus tradition. Though hazers are not allowed to injure us physically, their harsh words, snapping and senseless restrictions can really upset us, especially when you must endure all of that the whole year.
"When I didn't wear a uniform to class, the sophomores started speaking badly and glaring at me. They didn't even wear the uniform themselves, so why should I?
"Fun activities are fine as we get to make friends but I don't see any point as to why we should not eradicate hazing traditions that violate human rights."
Orawin Kasikul
Faculty of Liberal Arts, Thammasat University
Orawin thinks universities should establish a specific committee to overlook the activity, and set clear rules. Those involved in violence or sexual harassment should get a one-year academic suspension. If the mishap is critical or fatal, they should get a dismissal and pay compensation according to the law.
In the hazing rite that she took part in, all the newcomers and seniors got to hang out together. The trip and all the talking definitely broke the ice and made them closer.
"I'm in no way against it. But it just didn't leave a mark on me. I became close with the friends I have now through taking the same classes and working with them on projects. Not through the ceremony. When I think back on the awesome times here, us cheering and the seniors' yelling never comes to my mind."
Some freshmen get nagged endlessly by both their seniors and peers, just because they aren't into the tradition.
"To me, it's not a bonding activity. It should be optional, with zero pressure -- both direct or indirect. Whether you take part in it or not, you are still part of the department. University should make it clear that this has nothing to do with student status and grades. So no one can force you into it."
Satthathan Chanchartree
Faculty of Engineering, King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang
Satthathan sees university initiation rituals as a play where senior students take the role of a mean person forcing freshmen to do this and that. But such a play only takes a while.
What he dislikes about hazing is the forcing part.
"We have something called 'blood colour'. If you attended the activities regularly, they would call you 'white blood'. If not, you're publicly known as 'black blood'. Imagine how your white-blood fellows might look at you. To me, it's like a caste system."
Asked about violent hazing rituals that cause humiliation, serious injury or death, Satthathan replied: "Those are not hazing. They are a crime." In such a case, he said, hazers must be punished by the university council and by law.
