Foreigners Misusing Student Visas Disrupt Thai Tourism Sector
A growing number of foreigners using student visas to remain in Thailand while working illegally is raising concerns within the country’s tourism industry, according to sources. The trend, which often involves enrollment in lesser-known universities across Thailand’s secondary provinces, is reportedly undermining both immigration controls and the education sector’s integrity.
The issue came to light following a report by CSI LA, a Thai investigative Facebook page with over 1.3 million followers, detailing cases where foreign nationals applied for short academic courses but failed to attend classes. The revelations prompted one unnamed university to investigate and subsequently expel several students, who were said to be from China, Myanmar, India, and Malaysia.
The People’s Party has urged the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation to conduct a formal investigation into the matter. Concerns center on how loosely enforced immigration rules are allowing foreigners to enter the workforce under the guise of education.
Paisarn Suethanuwong of the Professional Tourist Guides Association of Thailand stated that such misuse includes foreigners working as unofficial tour guides or operating businesses. He added that a perceived lack of enforcement in Thailand has emboldened these individuals.
According to Mr. Paisarn, some universities may be accepting international applicants for financial survival, as domestic student enrollment declines amid a falling birth rate. He emphasized that applicants are often drawn to low-cost, provincial institutions rather than high-fee private universities in urban centers. The motivation of some Chinese nationals to study in Thailand, despite China’s higher-ranked institutions, also raises questions about the true intent behind such visa applications.
The continued abuse of student visas, Mr. Paisarn noted, reflects a broader issue of regulatory inaction, both from educational institutions and immigration authorities. He argued that upholding visa rules is essential to maintaining legal tourism and public confidence.
Adith Chairattananon, honorary secretary-general of the Association of Thai Travel Agents, expressed concern that the misuse of student visas, particularly by Chinese nationals, may fuel negative stereotypes and discourage legitimate Chinese tourists from visiting. He called for stricter enforcement and suggested that a 15-day visa-free period would suffice for tourism, without enabling longer stays that could be exploited.
In addition to institutional voices, several political and tourism stakeholders have been monitoring the situation closely, urging policy responses aimed at preserving the country’s tourism image and enforcing immigration standards more effectively.
