Mae Fah Luang University students oppose the idea of separate toilets for transsexuals and want the money spent on facilities for others.

The Education Ministry wants separate restrooms for transsexuals to avoid potential problems.

But the university's students worry the facilities will be "isolated and disgusting". They add the move is unfair because its ignores homosexuals.

Transsexual nursing student Worakarn Kantajaem, 19, says he and 200 other transsexuals participate in university activities and believes their presence does not "disgust teachers or other students".

"Separate toilets won't make anything better for us. We can use both the men's and women's. It's unnecessary to build them," Worakarn says.

Narin In-anong, a Chinese-language student, suspects the ministry proposal will upset homosexuals.

Donnarid Meksri, a science student, does not agree because it will "separate transsexuals".

Students want to see the money spent on more productive projects.

University Presidents' Council president and Naresuan University rector, Monthon Sa-nguansoemsi says the council will discuss the issue at its meeting next Saturday.

"I'll seek opinions, but we are also discussing student suicides, drugs, initiation ceremonies and uniforms," he says.

"At Naresuan University there are around 200 transsexuals among 35,000 students. They can use toilets for either sex. There's no problem," Monthon says.

This article was first published in The Daily Xpress on June 20, 2008.