Student Mobility and the Internationalization of Higher Education in Thailand: Institutional Capacities and Population Dynamics
Keywords:
International student mobility, Non-Immigrant “ED” visa, Institutional capacity, Governance, Students of Chinese nationality and CLMV nationalities (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam)Abstract
This study examines how immigration governance and the institutional capacities of Thai higher education institutions influence the experiences, regulatory compliance, and satisfaction levels of international students from China and CLMV countries studying in Thailand between 2023 and 2024. Secondary data from 2020–2025 are incorporated to illustrate national and institutional trends, while primary data collected during 2023–2024 provide empirical evidence on students lived experiences.
The research has three objectives: (1) to compare the visa management processes of research universities (Mahidol University and Chulalongkorn University), the nine Rajamangala University of Technology (RMUT) campuses, Rajabhat Universities, and specialized programs within the RMUT/Rajabhat network; (2) to analyze the effects of digital systems, staff professionalism, and communication clarity on students’ visa compliance and stress levels; and (3) to identify characteristics of at-risk student groups, such as female students, first-year students, and learners
in short-term programs. A Convergent Parallel mixed-methods design was employed. Quantitative data were collected from 400 international students (100 per institution) using a Likert-scale questionnaire with content validity ranging from IOC = 0.67–1.00 and internal reliability α = 0.84–0.91. Qualitative data were obtained from 36 in-depth interviews and four focus groups. The researcher applied Thematic Analysis following Braun and Clarke’s (2020: 328-352) Reflexive Thematic Analysis approach, which emphasizes deep interpretation and the researcher’s reflexive role in constructing themes from qualitative data.
The findings indicate that enhancing governance models, designing digital structures that align with the context of each institution, and continuously strengthening staff competencies can significantly improve visa management and support services for international students. These improvements also contribute to greater student satisfaction and reinforce institutional credibility in the long term.
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