Education Minister Orders Probe Into University's Chinese Student Scheme
The Higher Education Ministry has ordered an investigation into allegations that Rajamangala University of Technology Bangkok improperly benefited a Chinese business group while deceiving international students in self-created programs.
Following revelations by Professor Govin Wivattanapongphan, an internal audit board member at Rajamangala University of Technology Bangkok, Deputy Prime Minister and Higher Education Minister Yotchanan Wongsuwan has ordered the ministry's secretary-general to conduct a comprehensive and urgent fact-finding investigation into allegations that university administrators improperly benefited a Chinese business group by bypassing the university council and deceiving Chinese students into enrolling in self-created programs. The ministry emphasized its commitment to maintaining Thailand's higher education standards and the credibility of the country's international student recruitment. Officials stated that if the investigation uncovers violations of law or ministry regulations, legal action will be pursued without hesitation. The probe will examine admission and enrollment data, immigration and visa records, and curriculum details for both degree and non-degree programs. For degree curricula, investigators will verify compliance with higher education standards and ministry requirements; for non-degree programs, they will check adherence to ministry guidelines. Ministry officials stressed that the investigation aims to clarify the situation for the public, restore confidence in Thailand's higher education system, and confirm that all institutions comply with legal standards and good governance principles when recruiting foreign students.