BANGKOK — Thailand’s Immigration Bureau is ramping up efforts to combat the misuse of student visas, following the discovery that thousands of foreign nationals entered the country under the pretense of studying but never attended classes.

Thailand Clamps Down on Short-Term Study Visas to Prevent Illegal Work

Pol Maj Gen Panthana Nuchanart, deputy commissioner of the bureau, confirmed that recent investigations revealed widespread abuse of educational visas, with many individuals failing to enroll in legitimate academic programs. “If someone enters Thailand on a student visa but doesn’t actually study, it’s standard procedure to revoke that visa,” he stated, emphasizing that the practice of canceling fraudulent visas has been ongoing in coordination with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation.

The crackdown is part of broader efforts to strengthen immigration controls and prevent the exploitation of educational channels for unauthorized residency or illicit activities. Higher Education Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol announced on Friday that nearly 10,000 foreign nationals had their temporary stay permits revoked due to non-compliance with visa regulations.

The visa revocations represent part of a broader government effort to prevent foreigners from using student visas as a pathway to unauthorized employment in Thailand. #studentvisa #thailand https://t.co/Qx2R7OU7Ni

— Khaosod English (@KhaosodEnglish) August 22, 2025

The issue gained prominence after former politician Chuvit Kamolvisit alleged last year that immigration officers in Khon Kaen and Chiang Mai accepted bribes ranging from 100,000 to 300,000 baht to approve visas for Chinese nationals involved in “grey” businesses. A 139,000-page police report detailing accusations against 107 immigration officers was submitted to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) in March 2023, though the investigation remains ongoing.

In many cases, fraudulent visa applications relied on documents from language schools or volunteer foundations to support extensions. Authorities are now working closely with educational institutions to verify enrollment and ensure compliance. Foreign nationals found violating visa terms will face immediate revocation of their status and potential deportation.

Abductors of Chinese man in Pattaya may be Chinese nationals who illegally stay on student visas, ‘Big Joke’ says

The bureau urges the public and educational providers to report suspicious activities as Thailand continues to tighten its immigration system.

-Thailand News (TN)