- Thailand revoked nearly 10,000 student visas due to misuse for illegal employment.
- Investigations revealed many foreign students never attended classes, using visas as cover to work or extend stay.
- Authorities now require monthly enrollment reports from universities and will enforce stricter compliance procedures.
Thai authorities have revoked visas and temporary stay permits for nearly 10,000 foreign students after discovering widespread misuse of student visas for illegal work. The action was announced on August 22 by Higher Education Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol.
Investigations revealed that many foreign nationals entered Thailand claiming 'education' as their purpose but never attended classes. Panthana Nuchanart, Deputy Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, said the probes uncovered systematic abuse, with students using visas to work or extend their stay illegally. He warned that those not genuinely enrolled would have their visa status immediately cancelled.
To prevent further misuse, the Immigration Bureau is working with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation to cross-check enrollment and residency records. Educational institutions are now required to submit monthly reports on foreign student enrollment and progress.
The crackdown comes after reports that some northern universities issued student visas to Chinese nationals who never attended classes but were later seen working on construction sites. The universities have denied the allegations.
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Additionally, in March 2023, a 139,000-page police report accused 107 immigration officers of helping Chinese nationals involved in 'grey' businesses obtain visas. That investigation is still ongoing.
A nationwide university briefing in September will explain the new compliance procedures to ensure foreign students are genuinely enrolled and studying, while preventing further visa misuse.
