Thai students stranded at airport following China study program scam

Approximately 45 to 50 Thai students were left stranded at Suvarnabhumi International Airport after a fraudulent short-term study program to China failed to provide booked flights. The participants, hailing from three prominent schools in Bangkok, Nonthaburi, and Chonburi, had paid 39,900 baht each, totaling nearly 1.8 million baht.

The organizers, who included individuals claiming to hold doctoral degrees, reportedly claimed to have a memorandum of understanding with a Chinese university. While the destination was originally intended to be Xi’an, the organizers changed the location to Beijing shortly before departure, citing accommodation issues. Upon arrival at the airport, airlines confirmed that no tickets had been issued for the group.

One of the organizers allegedly impersonated an official from the Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC). Dr. Thanu Khuandech, Secretary-General of OBEC, has clarified that the program has no connection to the commission and appears to be a private scheme. Authorities are currently investigating the use of the funds and the identities of those involved to pursue criminal and disciplinary action.