The US Embassy in Thailand announced on June 23 that all non-resident visa filers in three categories F, M and J will have to switch their private status on social media accounts to public status. This requirement takes effect immediately.
The US Embassy's official social media platforms said the measure is "to facilitate the verification of identity and entry status under US law".
F-style visas for academic students, M- for vocational students and J- for participants in exchange programs. These are three popular types of visas issued to foreigners who want to study or participate in cultural exchange activities in the US.
To complete the visa application, the applyer must follow the strict six-step process stated on the US Embassy's website. The process started with a letter of approval from a training facility in the US, and ended with a direct interview at the Embassy.
In the context of increasing security checks, requiring social media publicity is part of efforts to expand the information review tool, helping US authorities assess more carefully the background and online behavior of visa seekers.
There is currently no information on the reaction from the Thai government or educational institutions to this new request from the US. However, being forced to publicize social media accounts may raise concerns about the privacy of the petitioner.
