Bangkok: “Wirote” is advancing efforts to address allegations surrounding a zero-dollar university issuing student visas to Chinese nationals posing as engineers. The move, which includes drafting a letter to the Engineering Council and the Ministry of Higher Education, aims to initiate an investigation into potential regulatory oversights that could lead to severe consequences, including injuries and fatalities.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, an MP from the Prachachon Party, has raised concerns about the involvement of Chinese engineers illegally working at the collapsed Office of the Auditor General building. He alleges that a zero-dollar private university facilitated this by issuing student visas. Mr. Wiroj is preparing to submit formal requests to the Council of Engineers and the Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) to investigate and address this issue within the coming week.

Mr. Wiroj emphasized the absence of a control mechanism to prevent such occurrences. He highlighted that Chinese individuals could exploit student visa channels to study engineering in Thailand and work without proper licensing. This loophole, he argued, could lead to severe safety risks, as evidenced by past engineering failures that resulted in casualties.

In response to comments from the Minister of Interior and the Director-General of the Department of Public Works and Town and Country Planning, who suggested no impersonation should occur, Mr. Wiroj urged a thorough investigation. He cited examples of zero-dollar behaviors, such as factories using Chinese construction materials and hiring Chinese nationals for key positions, which circumvented regulatory checks and exploited tax benefits.

Additionally, Mr. Wiroj pointed out broader issues stemming from zero-dollar practices, including universities collecting tuition fees in China while sending students to Thailand, leading to no economic benefit for Thailand. He also mentioned concerns over zero-dollar labor and condo purchases involving Chinese nationals, which pose safety risks and regulatory challenges. The unchecked entry of unqualified engineers, he warned, could have dire consequences for public safety.