BANGKOK – A tradition that has stood the test of time for 75 years, the annual Chula-Thammasat football match, has unexpectedly become the center of a heated debate in Thailand. But this time around, the controversy was not about the match itself. It centered on the mode of transportation used to parade the emblem of royal significance, the Phra Kiew, on the side of Chulalongkorn University (Chula).
Understanding the Controversy
The heart of the debate lies in a significant break from tradition. The Phra Kiew, a royal insignia symbolizing the heritage of King Chulalongkorn and King Rama VI, founders of Chulalongkorn University, was this year transported on a golf cart. Traditionally, this emblem would have been carried on a palanquin by male students in a solemn procession, a practice steeped in history that pays homage to the royal legacy.
The shift away from this revered method has drawn criticism from conservative quarters of Thai society. Prominent figures, including M.C. Julajerm Yukol, have voiced what many view as a collective disappointment, casting the adaptation as a “depressing” and disrespectful act towards the royal insignia.
An Academic Standoff
The reaction to this year’s procession has gone beyond mere public outcry. Dr. Wiphu Kamnueddee, an Associate Professor at Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, announced a controversial stance on social media, stating a refusal to accept graduates from Chulalongkorn University’s medical school who participated in the event. This declaration was met with swift backlash, prompting a formal apology and retraction from the college itself.
A Break from Feudalistic Traditions?
The organizers behind the CU-TU Unity Football Match 2024 have defended their decision, suggesting the introduction of the golf cart as a progressive step forward. They argue that the procession, inclusive of symbols representing various academic disciplines taught at the university, symbolizes pride and unity among Chulalongkorn students.
This debate is not merely about the choice of transportation for a university emblem; it touches on deeper societal divisions and the struggle between upholding traditions and embracing modernity. It has also reignited discussions on the institution’s practices, reflecting a broader questioning of traditional values in a rapidly changing world.
Some supporters of the decision argue that the use of the golf cart symbolizes the university’s willingness to adapt and evolve, keeping pace with the times while still honoring its rich heritage. This viewpoint highlights a generational shift, with younger voices calling for a re-examination of practices they view as outmoded.
Deep Divisions Reflect Wider Societal Debates
The controversy has inadvertently thrown a spotlight on the deep political and social divisions within Thai society, with traditionalists on one side advocating for the preservation of customs, and progressives on the other, promoting change and equality. The debate extends beyond the golf cart issue, touching on themes of social progress, the role of institutions in fostering equality, and the interaction between tradition and modernity in shaping identity.
As Chulalongkorn University stands at the crossroads of change, the discussion surrounding the Phra Kiew procession serves as a microcosm of the broader challenges facing Thai society today. Whether this event will prompt a reevaluation of tradition within Thai institutions or further entrench existing divisions remains to be seen.
Divya 
Mehek