The Myanmar embassy in Bangkok has announced that it will stop renewing the passports of Myanmar nationals studying at language schools and other non-accredited educational institutions in Thailand.
In a statement released on Thursday, the embassy said that consular offices would no longer extend the passports of those staying in Thailand on non-formal education, or “Non-Ed,” visas.
The visas are popular among Myanmar nationals and other foreigners who wish to remain in Thailand for longer than the few months normally granted to tourists. This includes many who have fled Myanmar since the military seized power in February 2021.
In its statement, the embassy said that there was a growing number of students “who have obtained the Non-ED visa while studying virtually,” suggesting that this was not a valid reason to stay in Thailand.
Many, it said, were studying Thai or learning how to teach English at. . .
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