NationThailand-Apr 24
Amid growing concerns over foreign nationals, particularly Chinese engineers, using student visas to illegally work on construction sites in Thailand, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) and the Immigration Bureau have joined forces to address the issue. The concern intensified after reports revealed that foreign workers were exploiting student visas to bypass work permit regulations. Notably, online platforms like CSI LA and “Ru Tan Jeen” highlighted operations in provinces like Lamphun, where student visas were allegedly renewed for 10,000 baht per person and used as a cover for nationwide illegal employment, complete with transportation networks. Some allegations even involve universities and state agencies facilitating these practices. Minister Supamas Isarabhakdi has ordered Lamphun Buddhist College and three private universities with Chinese investment to provide full details on all Chinese students—programs enrolled, duration of study, and visa types. These details must be submitted within one week, she added. The minister also appointed her secretary Suchada Sang Taensub to meet with immigration officials on April 23 to discuss stricter measures to verify foreign students and ensure education visas are not misused for employment.
Supamas stressed that MHESI is not taking the issue lightly. Institutions found to be complicit or neglectful in allowing such misuse of student visas will face strict legal consequences. The ministry aims to protect the integrity of Thailand’s higher education system and prevent it from becoming a loophole for illegal labor, she said. MHESI is also working on creating a centralized database for foreign students, which will be used for cross-verification with immigration and other agencies. Policies for admitting foreign students, particularly into non-degree or short-term programs, will be reviewed and tightened, said Supamas. Read more at: https://www.nationthailand.com/news/general/40049169
