The Thai government has revoked student visas for almost 10,000 foreign nationals who failed to meet education requirements, as part of a sweeping crackdown on visa abuse. Authorities say the move targets individuals who used student status as a pathway to work illegally in the country.
The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation ordered immigration police to cancel visas for students enrolled in short-term, non-degree programs that did not comply with regulations introduced on May 14.
Higher Education Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol announced that a new database system has been developed with immigration authorities to closely monitor foreign students.
The system requires universities and colleges offering short-term courses to submit regular reports on enrollment and academic activity.
“This student database will be shared with immigration police to guide visa approvals and prevent the misuse of student visas for illegal employment,” Sudawan said in a statement.
Under the new rules, institutions must verify attendance and file monthly progress reports through the ministry’s tracking system. Officials say the measures are designed to shut loopholes that allowed people to secure student visas without genuine study purposes.
Deputy Immigration Commissioner Pol. Col. Yodsak Raksuwan confirmed that, since the regulations took effect in May, higher education institutions have submitted data on students whose enrollment status did not meet the criteria.
“We have already revoked visas for nearly 10,000 students in this category,” he said.
The visa cancellations are part of a broader government effort to curb unauthorized employment among foreigners.
Ministry Permanent Secretary Prof. Dr. Supachai Patumnakul led discussions with immigration officials this week to coordinate the enforcement of the new rules. Sources say the regulations specifically target short-term courses previously used to avoid work visa requirements.
Assistant Permanent Secretary Dr. Panpimsakdi Arunee added that joint briefing sessions with higher education institutions will be held in September to clarify the new reporting requirements.
“We want institutions to fully understand the procedures and follow them consistently,” Panpimsakdi said.
The changes mark a significant shift in Thailand’s approach to international education. Institutions are now required to prove that foreign students are genuinely engaged in academic study rather than using student visas to work.
Universities and language schools are expected to adapt their admissions and monitoring procedures or risk having their students’ visas revoked.
