September 12, 2024

The Myanmar Embassy in Bangkok has announced that it will no longer extend the passports (PE type) of Myanmar students enrolled in short-term language courses, effective from September 16, 2024. This decision affects students attending programs such as the Certificate Program in Thai Language and Teaching English for Teachers (TET) on a Non-ED visa, particularly those taking these courses in a virtual format.

The embassy, along with the Myanmar Consulate General in Chiang Mai, will not provide passport extensions for students in these programs. According to the announcement, the embassy’s move follows a rise in the number of students enrolling in short-term courses.

There is speculation that this policy is part of a broader effort by Myanmar’s military junta to curb the movement of young people who have left the country to avoid military conscription. Many see it as a deliberate action targeting Myanmar youth who have sought refuge in Thailand.

“They’re doing this to tighten control. Since they’re losing the war, they’re blocking young people from leaving the country and putting pressure on those who have already left,” a student currently attending a short-term course in Thailand told New Day Myanmar.

However, students enrolled in long-term undergraduate, postgraduate programs, or primary and secondary education in Thailand will continue to receive passport renewal services as usual under the Passport for Education (PE) process, according to the embassy’s statement.