BANGKOK, May 5, 2025 — Thailand has rolled out a crackdown on Non-Immigrant ED (education) visas, introducing five new measures to address widespread misuse by foreigners exploiting these visas to extend their stay without pursuing studies. Announced on April 30 by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) and the Immigration Bureau, the reforms aim to restore integrity to Thailand’s international education system while aligning with broader immigration controls.
The crackdown was spurred by cases of visa abuse, notably at a Chiang Mai campus, where over 500 Chinese students held ED visas but did not attend classes. Authorities also flagged instances of scammers and individuals involved in illegal activities using these visas, prompting a reevaluation of the system. Below are the five measures now in effect:
- Mandatory Program Approval: Educational institutions must submit detailed information about non-degree international programs to MHESI for approval before enrolling foreign students. This ensures that courses meet educational standards and are not merely fronts for visa issuance.
- Enhanced Data Reporting: Schools are required to provide regular, detailed reports on student enrollment, attendance, and program progress. This measure aims to create a transparent record, making it easier to identify discrepancies or non-compliance.
- Random Compliance Inspections: The Immigration Bureau and MHESI will conduct unannounced checks at educational institutions to verify that students are actively attending classes. These inspections target institutions with suspicious enrollment patterns to ensure visa holders are genuinely studying.
- Data Sharing for Investigations: Any irregular or suspicious data identified during inspections or reporting will be shared with MHESI for further investigation. This could lead to visa revocations for students and penalties for institutions failing to comply.
- Program Revocation Penalties: Institutions found violating the new regulations risk having their programs revoked. Such penalties could also impact their ability to offer international programs in the future, incentivizing compliance.
The measures come amid Thailand’s broader immigration reforms. While the crackdown aims to protect Thailand’s reputation as an educational destination, it may pose challenges for legitimate international students, who now face increased scrutiny, and for institutions, which must navigate heightened administrative requirements.
Authorities added that the reforms target visa abusers while preserving opportunities for genuine students. However, some worry that overly stringent rules could deter prospective learners, potentially impacting Thailand’s education sector. The Immigration Bureau has pledged to monitor the measures’ impact and adjust as needed to balance security and accessibility.
Source: Phuket Express