Thailand to Implement 300-Baht Tourism Tax Starting with Air Travel

[webfact]

File photo for reference only

 

The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation has launched an investigation into a complaint against a Bangkok university's costly aircraft repair technician course. The course, allegedly substandard, charges nearly a million baht for enrolment and study, sparking significant concerns among students.

 

Minister Supamas Isarabhakdi has directed Supachai Pathumnakul, the ministry's permanent secretary, to form an investigative team following publicity from Weerachai Phutthawong, a lecturer at Kasetsart University.

 

Mr Weerachai shared on Facebook about student grievances regarding the course, available at this Bangkok university.

 

Students reported that the university promised to confer degrees upon full payment of the course fees. However, they experienced frequent cancellations of classes, despite hefty fees comprising 500,000 baht for enrolment alongside nearly 500,000 baht in additional concealed costs.

 

The university's promotional materials suggested that graduates would receive an aircraft repair certificate accredited by the European Aviation Safety Agency. Nevertheless, the certificates awarded upon graduation were from a private company that conducted training during the course.

 

Graduates claimed these certificates were not recognised by potential employers, reported Bangkok Post

 

The spotlight now lies on whether the ministry’s investigation will lead to any changes. If the probe confirms these allegations, it could have broader implications for educational standards and student protection in the aviation sector across Thailand.

 

-- 2024-10-23

 

 

[Artisi]

All will be  cleared up shortly, it was just a misunderstanding caused by a misprint in the university course outline. 

 

[dinsdale]

Enrollment: 1M. Fees: 500K: Hidden fees: 500k. Guaranteed pass: 1M. 

[ChrisY1]

Name the university! Man....these reporters and editors are so damn scared!

 

[John Drake]

1 hour ago, ChrisY1 said:

Name the university! Man....these reporters and editors are so damn scared!

 

 

There appears to be two or three universities offering this course. If I were one of the others, I would be angry as hell that the university wasn't identified because it tarnishes them indirectly. 

[watchcat]

8 hours ago, webfact said:

Graduates claimed these certificates were not recognised by potential employers,

 

This I can believe.

[connda]

Learn English, go to America, volunteer for the Navy or Air Force and sign up as an Aircraft Technician. 

[snoop1130]

Bangkok University Faces Probe Over Alleged Subpar Aviation Course

 

 

A university in Bangkok finds itself embroiled in controversy after allegations emerged concerning its aircraft repair technician course. The course, priced at nearly 1 million baht, is under investigation by Thailand's Higher Education Ministry.

 

Minister Supamas Isarabhakdi has tasked Supachai Pathumnakul, the ministry's permanent secretary, with leading the inquiry. Concerns were raised publicly by Kasetsart University lecturer Weerachai Phutthawong, following multiple complaints from students on October 22.

 

Students allege that the university promised them a degree conditional upon paying the complete enrolment fee, set at 500,000 baht. Yet, they claim this sum doubled due to hidden costs, totalling 1 million baht. Despite these expenses, students frequently faced class cancellations, leading to dissatisfaction and concern over the course's credibility.

 

The course brochure assured graduates of obtaining a European Aviation Safety Agency certificate. Contrary to these promises, graduates reportedly received credentials from a private firm tied to the training—certificates they found to be unrecognised by potential employers.

 

Weerachai conveyed the graduates' frustrations, noting, "No employer would hire holders of such certificates." The unfolding investigation now aims to ascertain the programme's accreditation standards and address the grave issues raised by the students.

 

By Bright Choomanee

Picture courtesy of DC Studio, Freepik

 

-- 2024-10-23

 

 

[MartinBangkok]

A Thai degree or certification is worthless in the real world. Every advanced nation knows this.

 

The only, and only, quality export Thailand has, is women working in the sex industry.

[DavisH]

2 hours ago, MartinBangkok said:

A Thai degree or certification is worthless in the real world. Every advanced nation knows this.

 

The only, and only, quality export Thailand has, is women working in the sex industry.

Which just shows the company you must keep...

[hotchilli]

12 hours ago, connda said:

Learn English, go to America, volunteer for the Navy or Air Force and sign up as an Aircraft Technician. 

They wouldn't last 5 minutes..

[wozzlegummich]

In Thailand, if money's involved, you can guarantee some official(s) will be be scraping some (a lot) off the top.

There was probably not much left to actually run the courses. 

[Muhendis]

I don't understand this university thing in Thailand. Where I come from, universities are for much higher education than training for a technicians job.

A technical college would be used to train an aircraft mechanic.

A university would be used to train an aircraft designer.

[john donson]

my kids are in 'rangsit' and the famous private and expensive uni, offers courses a few hours a day only, not even the full week, not every weekday, but the price is hefty and I am afraid the degree will not be worth the paper it is printed on...

[Scott Tracy]

EASA  part 66 license can only be issued by EASA Competent Authorities. Then only If The courses are delivered by an EASA part 147 training school, also approved by an EASA Competent Authority, or:

 

For an applicant being a person qualified by holding an academic degree in an aeronautical, mechanical or electronic discipline from a recognised university or other higher educational institute the need for any examination will depend upon the course taken in relation to Appendix I to Part-66. 2. Knowledge gained and examinations passed during previous experiences, for example, in military aviation and civilian apprenticeships will be credited where the competent authority is satisfied that such knowledge and examinations are equivalent to that required by Appendix I to Part-66. 

 

I know when I was at uni, the UKCAA (then part of EASA) didn't recognise any uni or course other than that delivered by part 147 training school.