Education Ministry Investigates Private Colleges Over Student Loan Fraud
The Education Ministry is investigating four privately-owned technology colleges in Bueng Kan Province for fraudulently using student names to secure education loans without proper eligibility, with potential criminal charges pending if doc
Education Minister Prasert Chanthavongthong announced on 22 September that the Office of the Vocational Education Commission has been investigating the case since 26 August, involving private technology colleges that falsely claimed student eligibility to secure education loans in exchange for vocational diplomas. Four institutions in Bueng Kan Province are implicated, all under the same ownership, and the investigation focuses on fraudulent use of student names to obtain funds.
Prasert stated that if the colleges are found to have forged documents, criminal proceedings will be pursued. The ministry is also examining whether state officials were complicit in facilitating the fraud. He noted that a similar case in Khon Kaen resulted in enrollment suspension and that strict action will be taken against these institutions if violations are confirmed.
When asked about potential criminal charges, Prasert said intent and document forgery allegations must be clarified first. Regarding involvement of education officials in student counts, he said no evidence has been found yet but warned that any state employee found promoting this fraud would face decisive action. The minister also noted ongoing discussions with the education loan fund and stressed the need to investigate why 2.6 million borrowers have defaulted on loans, suggesting obstacles may include unemployment or other challenges requiring systematic solutions.
