Latest Developments At Cmu Thai Course

[MelissaShmanders]

...you have been in overstay ever since your visa was issued...

I believe the original visa and its period of validity are still valid. It's extensions based on studying at the CMU LI that are now cancelled. The overstay period started the day the extension was cancelled by CMU LI

Sorry, can you clarify this? I am on the initial 90 days of my non-Im ED visa; end of December is when I'm required to check in and renew (but, yes, I know that's no longer an option). This visa was issued in Vientienne; before that I was about 25 days into the tourist visa that was issued when I first entered the country. What I'm trying to figure out is if I'm going to get slapped with an over-stay when I try to leave, or if I'm fine until late Dec, at which point I should make a run for that 60-day.

And again, I'm asking anyone out there who has Matt Kay's email address to please send it to me! I was only in email contact with Gill and Aun. I tried sending an email to matt@ that same domain name, but that was just a shot in the dark.

[Loaded]

...you have been in overstay ever since your visa was issued...

I believe the original visa and its period of validity are still valid. It's extensions based on studying at the CMU LI that are now cancelled. The overstay period started the day the extension was cancelled by CMU LI

Sorry, can you clarify this? I am on the initial 90 days of my non-Im ED visa; end of December is when I'm required to check in and renew (but, yes, I know that's no longer an option). This visa was issued in Vientienne; before that I was about 25 days into the tourist visa that was issued when I first entered the country. What I'm trying to figure out is if I'm going to get slapped with an over-stay when I try to leave, or if I'm fine until late Dec, at which point I should make a run for that 60-day.

And again, I'm asking anyone out there who has Matt Kay's email address to please send it to me! I was only in email contact with Gill and Aun. I tried sending an email to matt@ that same domain name, but that was just a shot in the dark.

Hi Melissa,

I believe only extensions can be cancelled, so in your case I think you are OK until December 24th. However, you need to be certain. If you go to the visa section of this forum and contact a moderator there or post this question in the visa section, you'll receive confirmation from experts. They may need to view a scan of the visa in your passport first though.

[electracm]

...you have been in overstay ever since your visa was issued...

I believe the original visa and its period of validity are still valid. It's extensions based on studying at the CMU LI that are now cancelled. The overstay period started the day the extension was cancelled by CMU LI

Sorry, can you clarify this? I am on the initial 90 days of my non-Im ED visa; end of December is when I'm required to check in and renew (but, yes, I know that's no longer an option). This visa was issued in Vientienne; before that I was about 25 days into the tourist visa that was issued when I first entered the country. What I'm trying to figure out is if I'm going to get slapped with an over-stay when I try to leave, or if I'm fine until late Dec, at which point I should make a run for that 60-day.

And again, I'm asking anyone out there who has Matt Kay's email address to please send it to me! I was only in email contact with Gill and Aun. I tried sending an email to matt@ that same domain name, but that was just a shot in the dark.

As far as I understand it - CMU visas were dependent on the courses themselves, the same as any other Ed visas. No learning course - no Ed visa. And Imm certainly seem to be sticking to this. They are also now fully ware that the uni shut down the courses on the 30th September. How would they know your visa was CMU? A little Thai squiggle in your visa which states 'Mor Chor', (CMU). Unless you got your visa from abroad, perhaps they didn't write this in.

As regards advice, I had advance warinng about this so decided to check out my options easly with free advice from a well-known visa provider here. I was reasonably au-fait with my options, but didn't let on -- wanted to know how much cash needed in my Thai bank account to go for a Non-Imm O single entry one year visa and where was the best destination. All I got was confused info about retirement visas( I'd already had two so superflous info) and an attempt to 'sell' me an investment visa at however many million baht it is these days. My basic questions wern't answered, smart offices and good coffee though!

In Thailand, you get what you pay for -- in the main, freebies are just sales opportinities for those who offer them.

As regards matt's new email address, I don't know it but beleive his new TEFL courses are being run under unitefl,com, you could check that out,.

I still beleive my (definitely not free but brilliant) lawyer, ED vicas are toxic right now, whrever they come from

[Loaded]

As far as I understand it - CMU visas were dependent on the courses themselves, the same as any other Ed visas. No learning course - no Ed visa. And Imm certainly seem to be sticking to this. They are also now fully ware that the uni shut down the courses on the 30th September. How would they know your visa was CMU? A little Thai squiggle in your visa which states 'Mor Chor', (CMU). 1. Unless you got your visa from abroad, perhaps they didn't write this in.

As regards advice, I had advance warinng about this so 2. decided to check out my options easly with free advice from a well-known visa provider here. I was reasonably au-fait with my options, but didn't let on -- wanted to know how much cash needed in my Thai bank account to go for a Non-Imm O single entry one year visa and where was the best destination. All I got was confused info about retirement visas( I'd already had two so superflous info) and an attempt to 'sell' me an investment visa at however many million baht it is these days. My basic questions wern't answered, smart offices and good coffee though!

In Thailand, you get what you pay for -- in the main, freebies are just sales opportinities for those who offer them.

As regards matt's new email address, I don't know it but beleive his new TEFL courses are being run under unitefl,com, you could check that out,.

3. I still beleive my (definitely not free but brilliant) lawyer, ED vicas are toxic right now, whrever they come from

1. Visas are issued by consulates and embassies (not immigration) which means they are obtained abroad. Immigration in Chiang Mai can extend visas but not issue them.

2. The visa section of this forum is probably the most reliable and current source of Thai visa information. And it's free.

3. That might be true but sounds unlikely as it was only the management at the CMU LI misusing ED visas. Has anyone recently received, or been refused, a non-imm ED visa from Walen, Prolanguage or any other language school in Chiang Mai?

[kawtot]

"...only the management at the CMU LI [were] misusing ED visas." Loaded, I admire your prescience! The investigation hasn't concluded. But the allegations have certainly served their purpose.

Since 30th Sep I know 1 who signed with AUA, 2 who signed with Walen and 5 who signed with Pro. All but one are ex-LICMU. All received 90-day ED visa extensions from Chiang Mai Imm.

I visited UniTEFL earlier this week. They told me that neither of the two former Directors at LICMU (Sansanee and Matt) are associated with their operation, but that the staff, trainers and curriculum have basically been "transplanted". The Office looks like a nice facility. I spoke with the trainer and a couple of students; looked at details of the program. Appears professional and promising.

btw, I have no interest in promoting UniTEFL, but am doing my homework because I'm thinking of taking a TEFL course. Ajarn Kawtot / Kruu Kawtot... now that'd be a laugh!

[electracm]

As far as I understand it - CMU visas were dependent on the courses themselves, the same as any other Ed visas. No learning course - no Ed visa. And Imm certainly seem to be sticking to this. They are also now fully ware that the uni shut down the courses on the 30th September. How would they know your visa was CMU? A little Thai squiggle in your visa which states 'Mor Chor', (CMU). 1. Unless you got your visa from abroad, perhaps they didn't write this in.

As regards advice, I had advance warinng about this so 2. decided to check out my options easly with free advice from a well-known visa provider here. I was reasonably au-fait with my options, but didn't let on -- wanted to know how much cash needed in my Thai bank account to go for a Non-Imm O single entry one year visa and where was the best destination. All I got was confused info about retirement visas( I'd already had two so superflous info) and an attempt to 'sell' me an investment visa at however many million baht it is these days. My basic questions wern't answered, smart offices and good coffee though!

In Thailand, you get what you pay for -- in the main, freebies are just sales opportinities for those who offer them.

As regards matt's new email address, I don't know it but beleive his new TEFL courses are being run under unitefl,com, you could check that out,.

3. I still beleive my (definitely not free but brilliant) lawyer, ED vicas are toxic right now, whrever they come from

1. Visas are issued by consulates and embassies (not immigration) which means they are obtained abroad. Immigration in Chiang Mai can extend visas but not issue them.

2. The visa section of this forum is probably the most reliable and current source of Thai visa information. And it's free.

3. That might be true but sounds unlikely as it was only the management at the CMU LI misusing ED visas. Has anyone recently received, or been refused, a non-imm ED visa from Walen, Prolanguage or any other language school in Chiang Mai?

YES, ME . My visa was from Walen, and the girls there did all they could to expadite the Min. of Ed. signing in order to get it to me in time. Imm. didn't even look at the rest of the (correct ) documentation, just flopped to the back, read the CMU letter and refused my visa.

Seem to remember I mentioned this way back on the same thread.

If you're happy to play semantics about the names of our 'permissions to stay here' -- please do explain to me in words of one syllable why

1. a change to a retirement visa from a non-imm 0 multi entry , 2. a change from a retirement visa to a work visa and work permit and 3. a change from a work visa etc to an Ed visa are all extensions of the same original visa. And can all be done here in CM without leaving the country, as mine were.

As regards the TV Visa forum, it's interesting and, yes, free, but the poster to whom I replied perhaps hasn't been here long enough to determine which comments are correct and which are not.

Lastly, surely you don't seriously beleive that the only reason 300 people were dumped like so much trash was simply because someone, somewhere in that ugly building was 'misusing Ed Visas?

[Loaded]

...If you're happy to play semantics about the names of our 'permissions to stay here' -- please do explain to me in words of one syllable why

1. a change to a retirement visa from a non-imm 0 multi entry , 2. a change from a retirement visa to a work visa and work permit and 3. a change from a work visa etc to an Ed visa are all extensions of the same original visa. And can all be done here in CM without leaving the country, as mine were...

I'm not sure what you point is because you seem to be agreeing with what I posted. A new visa wasn't issued in any of your examples. The reason for the visa's extension was changed. A new visa is issued by a consulate or embassy. Extensions of stay are different to this and are handled by immigration offices.

There is no such thing as a work visa. You can obtain a work permit with a non-immigrant B (Business) or O (based on marriage to a Thai). You can only work or volunteer legally if you have a work permit.

You can call it semantics, immigration calls it rules.

Edited October 28, 2010 by Loaded

[Loaded]

Lastly, surely you don't seriously beleive that the only reason 300 people were dumped like so much trash was simply because someone, somewhere in that ugly building was 'misusing Ed Visas?

You are either intentionally or unintentionally misquoting me. I don't believe for 1 second the misuse of visas was the only reason the programs were canceled.

[Loaded]

Since 30th Sep I know 1 who signed with AUA, 2 who signed with Walen and 5 who signed with Pro. All but one are ex-LICMU. All received 90-day ED visa extensions from Chiang Mai Imm.

That's good to know kawtot. I didn't think immigration would punish all schools because of the actions of one institution.

[tomartoh]

What I understand about the change of course from Cmu to another private school. The change has to be approved by the Min of Ed and there was insufficient time for this to happen in order for immigration to process the visa extensions, unless applied for at some time before the 30th September. The immigration dept in Chiang Mai just stuck by the rules. Correct me if I am wrong, although i dont doubt that before this all blew up and many people went to immigration offices to enquir or complain etc., they might have processed some visa extensions or changeovers.

The end result of this might also mean that immigration will monitor the language schools and or students who obtain the ed visa as part of the course, but I cannot see any reason to think that Ed visa will become ''toxic'', after all the immigration dept. appeared to be satisfied with their investigation in to the running of the courses at Cmu and one presumes must be satisfied elsewhere, otherwise there would have been an immediate ''crackdown'' ..........

I would like to add at this time that i think the ''dumping" of 300+ students, volunteers and Thai culture officianados was an appalling, typical , Thai style kneejerk reaction to a problem carried out in a most insensitive and uncaring manner. I cannot believe the main focus was on the few who may have not attended classes and being as where we are, I have to think that there must be other reasons. The figure of speech " the love of money is the root of all evil" certainly come to mind

For what it is worth I did complete the Cmu TEFL course, albeit with some difficulty as the pace was a little faster than i am used to these days, and found it to be very acceptable, and feel it could be useful to those new to teaching. So if the new UNI tefl course is the same same set up, then they know what they are doing. In all the years of living in Thailand, the Cmu Thai lang. course was the first one to stimulate me to take an interest in the language . So for that I am thankful

[Ulysses G.]

And thanks for reminding me of the formal complaint I am filing with the State Department regarding the Leftist group www.moveon.org be allowed to set up a table that you had top walk by at the 4th of July Party two years ago. Shameful.

The VFW should have had a dunk tank where you throw a baseball and try to make a socialist fall into the water. It would have made a lot of money.

[electracm]

Lastly, surely you don't seriously beleive that the only reason 300 people were dumped like so much trash was simply because someone, somewhere in that ugly building was 'misusing Ed Visas?

You are either intentionally or unintentionally misquoting me. I don't believe for 1 second the misuse of visas was the only reason the programs were canceled.

WOW ! verbal abuse and blame on our cute little forum. I think you and I had better agree to ignore each others' posts in future, don't you?

[electracm]

What I understand about the change of course from Cmu to another private school. The change has to be approved by the Min of Ed and there was insufficient time for this to happen in order for immigration to process the visa extensions, unless applied for at some time before the 30th September. The immigration dept in Chiang Mai just stuck by the rules. Correct me if I am wrong, although i dont doubt that before this all blew up and many people went to immigration offices to enquir or complain etc., they might have processed some visa extensions or changeovers.

The end result of this might also mean that immigration will monitor the language schools and or students who obtain the ed visa as part of the course, but I cannot see any reason to think that Ed visa will become ''toxic'', after all the immigration dept. appeared to be satisfied with their investigation in to the running of the courses at Cmu and one presumes must be satisfied elsewhere, otherwise there would have been an immediate ''crackdown'' ..........

I would like to add at this time that i think the ''dumping" of 300+ students, volunteers and Thai culture officianados was an appalling, typical , Thai style kneejerk reaction to a problem carried out in a most insensitive and uncaring manner. I cannot believe the main focus was on the few who may have not attended classes and being as where we are, I have to think that there must be other reasons. The figure of speech " the love of money is the root of all evil" certainly come to mind

For what it is worth I did complete the Cmu TEFL course, albeit with some difficulty as the pace was a little faster than i am used to these days, and found it to be very acceptable, and feel it could be useful to those new to teaching. So if the new UNI tefl course is the same same set up, then they know what they are doing. In all the years of living in Thailand, the Cmu Thai lang. course was the first one to stimulate me to take an interest in the language . So for that I am thankful

Great post, man -- wish you well!

[mesquite]

CMU seem to be just wanting to find any way to wash their hands of everything rather than taking some responsibility for what happened. The courses ran for a pretty long period, so its not like the courses were suddenly taking place without them knowing. To just say that its nothing to do with them, so goodbye, is unprofessional. Im shocked at CMU's attitude towards students in this.

I'm not shocked at all. Not taking responsibility is the Thai way, sweep everything under the carpet. This thread is a valuable resource on what can happen to farangs in Thailand, a "must read" for newcomers to LOS.

[tomartoh]

CMU seem to be just wanting to find any way to wash their hands of everything rather than taking some responsibility for what happened. The courses ran for a pretty long period, so its not like the courses were suddenly taking place without them knowing. To just say that its nothing to do with them, so goodbye, is unprofessional. Im shocked at CMU's attitude towards students in this.

I'm not shocked at all. Not taking responsibility is the Thai way, sweep everything under the carpet. This thread is a valuable resource on what can happen to farangs in Thailand, a "must read" for newcomers to LOS.

And you could add a ''must read'' for oldtimers as well

Amongst the problem we farangs have in Thailand is we just don't go with the Thai mentality. We may think we understand Thai people and their culture and ways and manners and behaviour, but we are just not with it at all. We don't understand how they really view us, although we laughingly say that they see us as walking ATM's. for which there is some element of truth. When Cmu cancelled the foreigner programs it is unlikely that they put any real thought into the consequences, about the inconvenience or hardship or loss of money or anything else that might arise from the sudden closure. Having got themselves a reason to call the cancellations, and you can make your own guess as to what that is, their thinking would be along the lines of, '' its ok, its easy for the farangs to get new visas or go to another school or somewhere else or can leave and go home, no problem, they have the money so it doesn't matter ,its ok................''

When living in this country one has to take the good things and balance them with the bad happenings. Most of the Thais are nice people and can be very helpful............. but don't cross them because they can also be very dangerous,

Anyhow this thread is about latest developments at Cmu's courses. For what it is worth, sooner or later, I predict that the latest development will be that Cmu will commence Thai language courses for foreigners................ again, but without the farangs taking a piece of the pie.

[Loaded]

Lastly, surely you don't seriously beleive that the only reason 300 people were dumped like so much trash was simply because someone, somewhere in that ugly building was 'misusing Ed Visas?

You are either intentionally or unintentionally misquoting me. I don't believe for 1 second the misuse of visas was the only reason the programs were canceled.

WOW ! verbal abuse and blame on our cute little forum. I think you and I had better agree to ignore each others' posts in future, don't you?

You misquote people, post inaccurate information and make personal attacks. I won't be ignoring your posts. However, I feel that once the CMU LI threads die, so will you.

[jackr]

As regards the TV Visa forum, it's interesting and, yes, free, but the poster to whom I replied perhaps hasn't been here long enough to determine which comments are correct and which are not.

That's neither here nor there as, as you say, it's free and can't be relied upon... it's not a gov' service or similar. For future ref: if you require sound, accurate visa info, PM Lopburi3.

You are either intentionally or unintentionally misquoting me. I don't believe for 1 second the misuse of visas was the only reason the programs were canceled.

WOW ! verbal abuse and blame on our cute little forum. I think you and I had better agree to ignore each others' posts in future, don't you?

I don't see any verbal abuse from Loaded. He was probably referring to the possibility that courses were ended to simply remove whitey from the establishment. I think you should perhaps pull your head in as people are trying to help you here.

[electracm]

As regards the TV Visa forum, it's interesting and, yes, free, but the poster to whom I replied perhaps hasn't been here long enough to determine which comments are correct and which are not.

That's neither here nor there as, as you say, it's free and can't be relied upon... it's not a gov' service or similar. For future ref: if you require sound, accurate visa info, PM Lopburi3.

You are either intentionally or unintentionally misquoting me. I don't believe for 1 second the misuse of visas was the only reason the programs were canceled.

WOW ! verbal abuse and blame on our cute little forum. I think you and I had better agree to ignore each others' posts in future, don't you?

I don't see any verbal abuse from Loaded. He was probably referring to the possibility that courses were ended to simply remove whitey from the establishment. I think you should perhaps pull your head in as people are trying to help you here.

The reason I'm not 'pulling my head in', (and yes,I am aware of the reasons behind CMU's actions) is that whitey has also been removed form Suan Dok Hospital where she was giving invaluable and successful therapy to autisitic children, whitey was also removed from the school for the deaf, where music therapy was proving very helpful, a number of whiteys were also removed from Phrao, where a school and accommodation was being architect-desigend and built for poor children, etc, etc, etc,.

Most of this has been about Thia langauge students who can't get their money back -- my sympathies are with them, but my heart hurts for the good that was being done and is now finished.

And, with respect, I don't remember asking for help...like many other posters here I just give my opinion and whatever relevent experience or kniowledge I may have.

In 6 -7 years of reading TV, I'd never been tempted to post until this scandal broke, but was intending to keep doing so. The unnecessary comment from whoever that 'I would fade away once the CMU thread faded ' What the implication of that comment was I'm not sure,. However, it was a wake-up call for me that TV in its present form is a closed club, mainly male by the looks of it, and that I have far better things to do. So, to whoever posted that, right now you're absolutely right .

Consider me faded. Permanently.

[tomartoh]

quoted by electracm

" In 6 -7 years of reading TV, I'd never been tempted to post until this scandal broke, but was intending to keep doing so. The unnecessary comment from whoever that 'I would fade away once the CMU thread faded ' What the implication of that comment was I'm not sure,. However, it was a wake-up call for me that TV in its present form is a closed club, mainly male by the looks of it, and that I have far better things to do. So, to whoever posted that, right now you're absolutely right .

Consider me faded. Permanently."

To electracm.................If what you say is true then you should reconsider that statement and continue posting

You don't have to agree with the way tv is run or its policies or the posts or the people who make them.

The forums ae composed of those people who feel that they have something to say on whatever the thread happens to be. There is a lot of crap and pure bs, but there is also a huge amount of useful and interesting information. Its all there for free. It just takes time to sift through.

The current thread as been most useful and a worthwhile read for many people. So there may be people posting with axes to grind, but that is life and in no way detracts from the value of the numerous posts and the information therein

So please keep on posting as all opinions are of some value

[CMX]

Electracm,

I too am unhappy that I cannot take up volunteer work in this country, work where I can help in areas where I have some special knowledge. Should you find a practical alternative, I would hope that you could contribute to this thread or open another.

[Ulysses G.]

However, it was a wake-up call for me that TV in its present form is a closed club, mainly male by the looks of it, and that I have far better things to do. So, to whoever posted that, right now you're absolutely right .

Consider me faded. Permanently.

White, Anglo Saxon, protestant males get bashed all the time too. It has nothing to do with your race or sex. It is just how it is on anonymous Internet forums.

In fact. if members know who you really are off-line, some hateful creeps will use your personal details to bash you even harder.

Don't take it too personally. Man up lady!

Edited October 29, 2010 by Ulysses G.

[Bubbalicious]

...you have been in overstay ever since your visa was issued...

I believe the original visa and its period of validity are still valid. It's extensions based on studying at the CMU LI that are now cancelled. The overstay period started the day the extension was cancelled by CMU LI

Sorry, can you clarify this? I am on the initial 90 days of my non-Im ED visa; end of December is when I'm required to check in and renew (but, yes, I know that's no longer an option). This visa was issued in Vientienne; before that I was about 25 days into the tourist visa that was issued when I first entered the country. What I'm trying to figure out is if I'm going to get slapped with an over-stay when I try to leave, or if I'm fine until late Dec, at which point I should make a run for that 60-day.

And again, I'm asking anyone out there who has Matt Kay's email address to please send it to me! I was only in email contact with Gill and Aun. I tried sending an email to matt@ that same domain name, but that was just a shot in the dark.

Fear not, though, as electracm has mentioned already, if you are not engaged in the purpose of your visa, e.g. studying, then technically you are here contrary to your legal status. When your study finishes, you are supposed to leave the country (or change your status). CMU's 'old' Thai program has ended, though as some previous posts have mentioned there has been an announcement that they might(?) still let people study (for an additional fee?). Has anyone any more info on this?

But, anyway, in practice there is no need to rush out of the country as at whatever border or airport you pass through, they wont be aware of your CMU thai language course status. You could just as well be an exchange student or full-time student in another CMU program, etc. So, don't just rush away or turn yourself in at immigration like so many others seem to have done.

As for the issue of a plague on ED visas, I don't believe this is the case at all, except for those who tried to extend their stay after Sept. 30. I'm sure some slipped through after this date, likely in the Immigration office's confusion/disbelief at the letters people were bringing them and follow up info from LICMU. But once things cleared up they probably sent the word down that no one would be getting visas extended if they had "overstayed" on an old CMU ED visa. The key for all those like Melissa is to not attempt extensions w/in Thailand but leave the country on or prior to the date in your passport.

FWIW, I don't think it was unusual the way that LICMU would walk people from one office to another. LICMU runs (or ran) a lot of different programs and it seems clear that new students were just walked over to the office that was administering that particular program. But, why that office was still accepting money from people (instead of having them pay at their 'future' location - which never materialized) is a different question.....

 

[NancyL]

Yes, Electracm, this forum is populated by misogynist louts, but (unfortunately) it's the best source of information for developments in the CMU fiacaso. We ladies just have to pick up our skirts, put our scented handkerchiefs to our nose and navigate around the offal. Please continue to contribute new developments.

[heybruce]

Fear not, though, as electracm has mentioned already, if you are not engaged in the purpose of your visa, e.g. studying, then technically you are here contrary to your legal status. When your study finishes, you are supposed to leave the country (or change your status). CMU's 'old' Thai program has ended, though as some previous posts have mentioned there has been an announcement that they might(?) still let people study (for an additional fee?). Has anyone any more info on this?

According to my LICMU teacher last week, the higher ups in CMU were still "meeting" on this subject. Apparently they are unaware or unconcerned about the legal limbo they have left their students in.

[Ulysses G.]

We ladies just have to pick up our skirts, put our scented handkerchiefs to our nose and navigate around the offal.

This is what I use.

[Bubbalicious]

Fear not, though, as electracm has mentioned already, if you are not engaged in the purpose of your visa, e.g. studying, then technically you are here contrary to your legal status. When your study finishes, you are supposed to leave the country (or change your status). CMU's 'old' Thai program has ended, though as some previous posts have mentioned there has been an announcement that they might(?) still let people study (for an additional fee?). Has anyone any more info on this?

According to my LICMU teacher last week, the higher ups in CMU were still "meeting" on this subject.  Apparently they are unaware or unconcerned about the legal limbo they have left their students in.

So, there ARE Thai classes ongoing AT LICMU currently? Then on a technical level, irregardless of LICMU's semantic dance to distinguish themselves as separate from IUS, those with visa's could still be considered to be legal. They were issued visas to study at CMU, with documents signed by the CMU president, and are engaged (or plan to be engaged) in studying Thai at CMU. 

Perhaps it is the separate issue of whether to restart issuing NEW visas for Thai language studies that seems to be under debate? I've only been in the first floor of LICMU but (properly managed) I'm sure they could easily fill that building with Chinese student from Yunnan to study Thai or English and have it be similarly profitable. 

One other interesting comment from Melissa jumped out at me and has me wondering whether, in fact, late in their existence there were some 'business irregularities' (as so alleged) being carried out by old the "IUS" regime.

I paid my tuition to one Thai woman, and then walked across the room to another desk where a Thai woman named Aun gave me a letter for the Thai embassy in Vientiane. I met Matt Kay that day. He signed my letter and seemed in good spirits while we chatted.

I'm not sure under what authority Dr. Matt could be signing visa letters, since typically these are/were signed by the President of CMU (or the presidents of other universities, etc.) And, again, the idea that Visa's could be issued under the letterhead of one university (CMU) yet the students' study program be carried out at FEU seems like an idea that wasn't thought out too well......

[kawtot]

LICMU's Thai language classes reinstated.

At least two groups: Tue/Thu and Sat/Sun.

With ED visa support.

[heybruce]

So, there ARE Thai classes ongoing AT LICMU currently? Then on a technical level, irregardless of LICMU's semantic dance to distinguish themselves as separate from IUS, those with visa's could still be considered to be legal. They were issued visas to study at CMU, with documents signed by the CMU president, and are engaged (or plan to be engaged) in studying Thai at CMU. 

I don't think CMU has notified Immigration that some classes have resumed. Even if they have, I wouldn't assume that Immigration will act on that information and start approving 90 day extensions. If anyone is brave enough to try it, I hope they will let us know what the results are.

[realthaideal]

After this whole fiasco..... would you trust again ? Really ? Once bitten, twice shy.

[orang37]

After this whole fiasco..... would you trust again ? Really ? Once bitten, twice shy.

Sawasdee Khrup, Khun RealThaiDeal,

Once the bite has healed, and you realize the scar is not shaped like a smile: twice sly ?

best, ~o:37;