Party of the People Accuses Visa Scheme of Fraudulent Activities Towards Undocumented Chinese Immigrants
Zero-Dollar Fraud in Thailand's Education: Time for an Investigation
Disputed International Study Programs Under Scrutiny
The People's Party (PP), a political opposition group, is putting pressure on the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation to investigate foreign study programs suspected of using student visas as a cover for illegal labor practices.
According to Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, the party's deputy leader, these programs are a symptom of the widespread "zero-dollar" business model, a deceitful practice chiefly utilized by foreign operators, usually of Chinese descent. This scheme generates minimal income for Thailand and local partners[1][2].
Evidence of CorruptionLakkhanaadisorn points to the SAO building collapse in March as evidence of rampant corruption in nearly every sector of Thailand, including education[2]. By citing Chinese engineers who were working illegally while holding student visas, he suggests a link between these study programs and illicit activities.
In a prior demand, Lakkhanaadisorn asked the Council of Engineers to investigate Chinese engineers employed in Thailand under such circumstances[3]. His investigation found that several Chinese engineers had been working for a company registered in Thailand but effectively operated by Chinese interests, further supporting his allegations.
Suspicious CircumstancesThe "international" courses offered to Chinese students were conducted entirely in Chinese, raising suspicions that these programs existed solely as a means for individuals involved in the zero-dollar business to secure student visas and operate in Thailand[3]. To make matters worse, the thesis defense panels for these graduate programs were composed solely of Chinese members and were paid to write students' theses, which amounts to academic fraud[3].
Such programs, as alleged by Lakkhanaadisorn, are operated by a university that had been taken over by Chinese investors using Thai nominees[3]. Typically, tuition fees are remitted to a parent company in China, with partial payments channeled to the Thai affiliate, which receives minimal compensation and reports low profits to evade taxes[3].
Construction Industry's RoleLakkhanaadisorn also accuses some Chinese-run construction companies of masquerading as local firms. These companies import building materials from China and exclusively hire Chinese engineers[3].
Implications for ThailandIf left unchecked, this exploitation of student visas undermines Thailand's education sector by linking it to illicit activities rather than academic pursuits[1]. This tarnishes the reputation of Thai educational institutions and discourages international students from attending. Additionally, Thailand's economy is already hampered by challenges such as bureaucratic inefficiencies, a lack of high-tech specialists, and high household debt[4]. Moreover, political instability and low-cost labor from neighboring countries complicate efforts to modernize industries like education[4]. Investigating and addressing these current issues is crucial for upholding the integrity of Thailand's educational system and promoting economic growth through positive contributions from international programs.
- The People's Party is urging an investigation into foreign study programs, claiming they are a facade for illegal labor practices, particularly relevant to those of Chinese descent operating within the zero-dollar business model.
- Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn points to the SAO building collapse as evidence of corruption, suggesting a link between these programs and related illicit activities, such as the employment of Chinese engineers on student visas.
- Lakkhanaadisorn's investigation uncovered suspicious circumstances involving "international" courses taught entirely in Chinese, and thesis defense panels composed solely of Chinese members, which he alleges amounts to academic fraud.
- Chinese-run construction companies, according to Lakkhanaadisorn, pose as local firms, importing building materials from China and hiring exclusively Chinese engineers, which, if unchecked, could negatively impact Thailand's education sector and its overall economy.
- Addressing these issues by investigating and upholding the integrity of Thailand's educational system is crucial for promoting economic growth through positive contributions from international programs, while minimizing negative impacts that could tarnish the reputation of Thai educational institutions.
