Surapoj Mongkolcharoensakul, a first-year student in the Mekong River Basin ethnic-studies programme, said he and some 15 other hilltribe students in the northern region had been assured by the CRU Centre of Ethnic Studies director, Sombat Boonkamyeung, that their tuition fees would be waived. He said the students were now entering their second semester and had yet to receive any of the money promised to them under the programme.

Acting CRU president Chaliew Prasithiwiset said he had not received a formal complaint but was aware of the comments about the financial burden on the students. He said the university was not ignoring the issue but looking into it. Chaliew said he would invite the parties involved to discuss the issue tomorrow.

The students launched their appeal through NHRC member Sunee Chairos, Surapoj said.

"It's as if the university is using hilltribe people to enhance

its image in order to get support funds from the Education Ministry and neighbouring countries," he said.

Benjaporn Homdok said fellow hilltribe students had to live in a crowded room just to reduce living expenses.

They also take jobs as construction workers in Bangkok during the summer, she said, adding that several of their parents had had to turn to loan sharks to support them.

The Nation

CHIANG RAI