Parents File Complaint After Students Stranded in Chinese Study Scam

On October 18, 2026, a group of parents representing 62 students filed a formal complaint with the Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD) in Bangkok. The parents allege they were victims of a fraudulent short-term study and cultural exchange program in China, which resulted in the students being abandoned at Suvarnabhumi Airport on October 15.

According to Khaosod Online, the program was marketed to schools in Nonthaburi and other provinces starting in June 2026. Parents were told the 13-day trip was organized in collaboration with the Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC) and would provide certificates beneficial for future scholarship applications. Participants paid approximately 39,900 baht each for the experience. Despite some offers of refunds from the organizers, the parents are pursuing legal action, citing clear intent to deceive.

For residents and families, this incident highlights the importance of verifying the legitimacy of educational exchange programs, even when they appear to be endorsed by school institutions. While the police investigation is underway, it remains to be confirmed how the organizers managed to associate the program with official educational bodies and whether other students or schools were similarly affected. Authorities are currently reviewing the evidence to determine the full extent of the financial damages, which are estimated to exceed 2.7 million baht.