Thailand cancels 10,000 student visas for foreign nationals working illegally

Thailand has revoked nearly 10,000 student visas and temporary stay permits in a wide crackdown on foreigners accused of using education channels to live and work illegally in the country.

Higher Education Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol announced the action on Aug. 22 after investigations showed that many visa holders never attended classes. Police Major General Panthana Nuchanart, deputy commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, said the permits were often used to stay in Thailand for employment or to conduct other unauthorized activities.

Authorities have linked some cases to more serious crimes. Police in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket have arrested foreign nationals working in proxy businesses or underground operations, including online scams, gambling and trafficking. In Chiang Mai, police estimate that roughly half of the province’s 13,000 student visa holders are not legitimate students.

Officials say some private universities and language schools issued documents for cash, sometimes up to 50,000 baht (about US$1,500), while other applications were processed through corrupt channels. A 2023 police report to the National Anti-Corruption Commission accused 107 immigration officers of helping Chinese nationals secure visas tied to so-called “grey businesses.” Former politician Chuvit Kamolvisit also alleged senior immigration commanders in Khon Kaen and Chiang Mai accepted bribes of 100,000 to 300,000 baht per visa. Those investigations are ongoing.

Several northern universities have denied wrongdoing, saying they revoke visas if students skip classes and blame the problem on rogue agents and corrupt officials. However, the government is pushing for stricter oversight. Educational institutions are now required to file monthly enrollment and progress reports, and immigration officers cross-check attendance records. A nationwide briefing is scheduled in September to outline new compliance rules.

For foreign businesses, this crackdown signals tighter immigration enforcement that could impact hiring foreign students or graduates. Companies relying on language schools, volunteer programs, or northern-based institutions for talent or partnerships should expect closer scrutiny and ensure documentation is current and accurate.