Dismissed  Silpakorn University rector Dr Wiwatchai Attakorn is threatening to sue over his allegedly unfair dismissal.

 Wiwatchai told a news conference yesterday that the reasons given by the school council for his sacking were "unclear and unacceptable".

"My administration is transparent and accountable," Wiwatchai said. "I believe the real reason for my removal is my policy to maintain Silpakorn's state-run status - not the deregulated university many in the council are pushing for."

Wiwatchai was unexpectedly removed this past Thursday after the university council evaluated his management. It dismissed him by 20 votes to one with three abstentions. The termination was effective the next morning and included 15 other members of his team.

"I was barred from the meeting while many of those disagreeing with my policy were allowed in," he said.

A council statement said, "Wiwatchai's administration is inefficient". He argued yesterday that was "too broad and unacceptable".

"I was dismissed by three groups of people, both inside and outside the university. One is pro-deregulation. Another is that which has lost benefits under my administration. The third is senior officials influenced by the second group," Wiwatchai said.

"It is true some senior officials at Silpakorn disagreed with Wiwatchai's administration. But they are only a few," said Prof Wichoke Mukdamanee, a member of Wiwatchai's team.

"There is loud crying because of our dismissal, not happy applause," said Sakul Boonya-that, another dismissed staff member.

"What happened at Silpakorn illustrates the future of society - a fight between morals and capitalism. And, the moral side will be defeated," Sakul said.

Wiwatchai opposes the deregulation of universities. He believes most are ill prepared for it and this will badly affect society.

During Wiwatchai's tenure several university developments were rejected, upsetting supporters of these projects.

Wattana Khamchoo,

Hathairat Deeprasert

The Nation