BANGKOK, Thailand – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), Dr. Yoschanan Wongsawad, has ordered an urgent investigation into a university’s international student recruitment programme following concerns raised over curriculum standards, teaching quality, and visa procedures, PR Thai Government reported.

Thailand Intensifies Crackdown on Student Visa Abuse

The inquiry was initiated after media reports and allegations surfaced regarding a university’s admission of Chinese students, with questions raised about the legitimacy of the courses and the student visa application process . The Deputy Prime Minister has instructed the MHESI Permanent Secretary’s Office to conduct a thorough fact-finding investigation and has required the university in question to fully cooperate and provide all necessary information.

The investigation will examine both degree and non-degree programmes, focusing on whether the university’s educational management aligns with higher education standards, course offering criteria, and MHESI regulations . For non-degree courses, the probe will verify compliance with relevant MHESI guidelines and announcements, while also scrutinising student enrolment and registration data, immigration records, and visa application procedures.

Dr. Yoschanan emphasised that the government is committed to preserving the credibility and standards of Thailand’s higher education system . He stressed that strict action will be taken against any legal violations to uphold educational quality and public trust . The Permanent Secretary of MHESI, Supachai Pathumnakul, confirmed that the investigation aims to provide clarity to the public, build confidence in the Thai higher education system, and reaffirm that all institutions must operate in full accordance with the law and principles of good governance.

Bangkok Immigration Revokes Visas, Deports Seven Foreign Students

The move follows broader efforts by Thai authorities to address student visa abuse and prevent misuse of the system. In 2025, the Immigration Bureau revoked nearly 10,000 temporary stay permits for foreign nationals whose visa status failed to comply with regulations, as part of ongoing measures to prevent foreign nationals from using student visas to work illegally in Thailand.

-Thailand News (TN)