Nursing College in Surin Declines Allegations of Forcing two Cambodian Students to Resign and depart from their homeland.
The Surin campus of the Boromarajonani College of Nursing has denied allegations that it forced two Cambodian students to resign and return to their home country amidst the recent Thai-Cambodian border tensions.
The students, who were enrolled under a royal scholarship programme initiated by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn to support Cambodian students pursuing nursing education in Thailand, resigned voluntarily after consulting with their families, according to the college.
Reports emerged on social media claiming that one of the students had her mobile phone and communication tools confiscated by the school, isolating her from the outside world. It was alleged that the student was offered a choice to return to Cambodia and forfeit her scholarship in exchange for having her phone returned. Another student reportedly experienced severe stress due to the inability to contact anyone outside, affecting his concentration and well-being.
However, the Surin campus refuted these claims in an official statement, asserting that the students were well cared for during their 52-day stay from 6 June to 28 July 2025, in line with the objectives of the royal scholarship program. The college emphasised that both students and their families were fully informed of the situation and involved in the decision-making process.
The college also clarified that it facilitated communication with the royal scholarship office to explain the situation to the students' guardians. Furthermore, it coordinated with Surindra Rajabhat University and Rajamangala University of Technology Isan in Surin to help arrange transport for the Cambodian students' return.
The reported communication restrictions for the Cambodian students stemmed from a security policy ordered by the Surin governor during a 26 July meeting. All educational institutions in the Surin province were instructed to limit communication for Cambodian students, allowing contact only during specified hours and under supervision, for security reasons.
The Surin campus insists it acted with care in line with Her Royal Highness Princess Sirindhorn's vision of supporting Cambodia through education. The college organised a bus to take the two students to Surindra Rajabhat University following a farewell party hosted by fellow first-year nursing students.
[1] The Surin college emphasised its commitment to upholding the vision of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, who initiated the royal scholarship program to support Cambodian nursing students. The college reiterated its dedication to providing a conducive learning environment for all students, regardless of nationality.
[2] During the students' stay, the college coordinated with other educational institutions for their transport needs, demonstrating an interest in facilitating a smooth transition.
[3] Despite border tensions, the college has been actively involved in the realm of education-and-self-development, offering support to students from various backgrounds, including in the field of sport and health.
[4] Amidst the ongoing Thai-Cambodian border tensions, the reported incidents have raised concerns about the treatment of foreign students in politics-related matters. General-news outlets have shared these concerns, calling for transparency and adherence to international standards of student welfare.
