OBEC Investigates Fake Study Tour That Left 62 Students Stranded
Authorities have launched an investigation after a fake study‑tour scheme left 62 students from eleven schools stranded at an airport and cost them millions of baht. The Basic Education Commission’s secretary‑general said a fact‑finding committee will determine whether individuals impersonating OBEC officials were behind the fraud, with results expected next week. If wrongdoing is confirmed, strict disciplinary and criminal action will be taken.
On 16 October 2026, the Secretary-General of the Basic Education Commission, Thanu Khuandech, said his office had received reports of the incident and had appointed a fact-finding committee. He stressed the need to treat all parties fairly and to determine clearly whether the people who pretended to be OBEC officials were genuine staff members, as well as to uncover the true purpose of the scheme. If misconduct is proven, there will be no leniency; both disciplinary and criminal measures will be pursued.
Thanu added that investigators are also examining the budget-disbursement process, checking how many schools were involved and whether the project followed proper school-level approval procedures. He expects the investigation to yield clear answers within the coming week.
When asked how to prevent similar frauds in the future, Thanu noted that arranging overseas study trips is a normal activity for schools, but stressed that schools and administrators must tighten their checks. They must verify the details, schedule, and objectives of any program to ensure transparency and accountability.
