Assumption University is facing a staff exodus amid factional fighting, assaults and intimidation that threaten to damage its credibility, lecturers have claimed.

Many lecturers have taken leave to avoid the grim and unpleasant atmosphere, as a power game being played out in the administrative offices affects graduate students who are waiting to resume classes.

Recently, the conflict escalated when some scholars and university employees stood guard over the offices to prevent a takeover by a rival group, leading to a lecturer being assaulted.

On Friday, Abac deputy rector Kamol Kitsawat filed a petition with the National Council for Peace and Order complaining that the assault was carried out by close aides of a military officer.

He said on Aug 10, lecturer Prathit Santiprapob, director of the university’s technological research laboratory, was attacked by a group of people close to Vice-Adm Wittawat Na Nacara, a retired navy officer who is head of the university’s Mechatronics Engineering Department. Mr Prathit has lodged a complaint with Hua Mak police.

He said more than 20 men, believed to be military officers in plain clothes, were seen patrolling the university’s grounds on motorcycles on Thursday. He pleaded with the NCPO to investigate the incidents.

The conflict has been simmering for almost two months over who has the right to be the university’s rector. The dispute involves a Catholic priest, Bancha Saeghiran, and layman Sudhiporn Patumtaewapibal.

Mr Sudhiporn, deputy vice-rector for research and academic services, claims he has the right to become acting rector after Mr Bancha, the incumbent, was temporarily suspended by the University Council on June 18.

It followed the discovery of alleged irregularities in various university affairs, including a plan to procure and develop a flight simulator facility worth 350 million baht.

According to Isra News Agency, Mr Bancha was accused of being involved in a 94 million baht purchase by the university of shares in the project’s co-investor Flight Simulator Group Co. However, the university council had approved only 15 million bath for the investment.

The council also appointed Mr Sudhiporn as acting rector, the source said.

But the issue became clouded when council chairman Surasit Sukchai decided not to sign the June 18 resolution. That forced the meeting to assign honorary member Visith Srivichairatana to sign the order instead.

After that, Mr Sudhiporn announced the appointment of Vice-Adm Wittawat to supervise the university’s administration and personnel affairs.

However, on June 30, Mr Surasit signed another order to cancel the June 18 resolution, claiming that it was illegal.

Confusion erupted and sides were formed, as supporters of Mr Bancha insisted the June 18 resolution must be declared void as there was no signature by the university council chairman. Mr Sudhiporn’s allies argued the June 18 order was legitimate.

Mr Sudhiporn is backing the legality of his status with an opinion from the Office of the Higher Education Commission which says he can act as rector in place of Mr Bancha. He also approached the Civil Court to grant an injunction for him to continue in the caretaking capacity, which was approved.

On July 27, Mr Sudhiporn and some supporters, accompanied by more than 10 police officers, announced at the university that all staff must follow his orders and those who refuse to do so would face legal action.

“The situation at the university is affecting teaching, particularly at the graduate level as several lecturers are not comfortable and have taken leave,” one lecturer told Bangkok Post Sunday.

But the situation took a turn for the worse when lecturer Prathit was assaulted by two men.

Bangkok Post Sunday tried to contact Vice-Adm Wittawat on his mobile phone and Line app, but no one has answered.

Mr Sudhiporn said all he wanted was fair treatment as he and his colleagues are being defamed by his opponents.