Phuket officials consider faster processing for foreign student ED visas

Phuket officials are considering a new system to speed up the processing of Non-Immigrant ED education visas and extensions of stay for foreign students.

The proposals were discussed at Phuket Provincial Hall on 7 September 2026 at a meeting chaired by Vice Governor Romdon Hayiawae on behalf of Governor Chotinrin Kerdsum. The meeting considered recommendations from the Phuket Association of Private Non-Formal Schools on foreign student admissions and visa documentation.

The association called for a review of existing criteria, more efficient staffing, a channel for urgent cases and a system allowing agencies and schools to monitor and resolve problems jointly.

According to the official meeting report, Phuket Provincial Order No. 9040/2026, issued on 1 September 2026, established a committee to study and design a new system for processing foreign student visa documents. Proposed features include digital document submissions, standardised checklists, application-status tracking and a dashboard for monitoring cases.

The system would also provide notifications when documents are incomplete, controls over data access and guidelines for sharing information between relevant agencies. Officials said the aim was to reduce delays and identify problems before students overstayed their permitted period of stay.

The meeting also reviewed a report from the Phuket Provincial Education Office on overstays linked to the simultaneous resignation of two staff members without prior notice. The report did not clarify how ED visas, which do not permit holders to work, would affect foreigners employed by educational institutions.

Attendees included Phuket Provincial Education Officer Panna Phromwichien, Phuket Immigration Inspector Pol Lt Col Rangsinan Chanphet, Phuket Tourist Association President Sarayut Mallam and representatives of relevant agencies.