Thailand's minister calls for enhanced mall security measures

A clash took place at the MBK shopping center in Bangkok on Saturday night, leading to a call for improved security at malls. The higher education minister, Supamas Isarabhakdi, expressed concern about the incident involving students from two local universities. Minister Supamas said she would urge the Royal Thai Police Office to enhance security in high-risk areas. She emphasized the need to monitor student movements to prevent further violence. “The incident is unacceptable,” she stated, highlighting the disturbance caused to innocent shoppers. The fight involved students from Rajamangala University of Technology and Pathumwan Institute of Technology. The brawl occurred in the food court on the sixth floor of MBK Center, frightening other customers. Five students were injured, with two suffering serious stab wounds and requiring intensive care. Authorities reported that four students from both universities have been arrested. They claimed the confrontation was unexpected. Police suspected that students arrived in small groups and later gathered in the shopping center. As a response, police intend to work with MBK Center security to search visitors for weapons, aiming to prevent similar incidents in the future.