Bangkok: Strict control and regulation of short-term courses for international students in Thailand have been officially implemented. The government has mandated that educational institutions must adhere to specified standards, with non-compliance potentially leading to course cancellation.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Karom Polpornklang, Deputy Government Spokesperson, highlighted the government’s commitment, through the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, to tackle the issue of foreign students entering Thailand illegally for work purposes. The new guidelines, titled ‘Criteria and Guidelines for the Organization of Short-term Courses (Non-degree) for Foreign Students at Higher Education Institutions 2025,’ have been in effect since May 14, 2025. These guidelines serve as a framework for legal residency of foreign students in Thailand as per the joint agreement between the Ministry and the Immigration Bureau (IB).
The guidelines stipulate several key requirements: Educatio
nal institutions must demonstrate expertise in course content, faculty, and learning outcomes. They are required to submit detailed course information to the Ministry, including the course structure, teaching formats, and student qualifications. At least 60% of learning must be conducted on-site, with a maximum of 40% online. The course duration is capped at 180 days, and institutions must maintain attendance records and provide certificates to students.
Additionally, institutions must facilitate temporary stays for foreign students, with a maximum of 180 days per stay, contingent on program requirements. The Immigration Bureau’s approval for student residency must be followed by reporting student information to the Ministry within 30 days. There is also a mandate for institutions to monitor student attendance and submit monthly progress reports to the Ministry’s foreign student tracking database.
Non-compliance with these criteria will result in notification to the institution’s council, which may lead to
the program’s cancellation. The government aims to enhance the transparency and efficiency of Thailand’s short-term education system, ensuring it operates under a clear legal framework. This initiative is designed to prevent unauthorized entry into the country under the guise of education and to bolster confidence in Thailand’s educational standards, potentially attracting more foreign students to study in the country.