2 Thai, 2 foreigners arrested for illegally operating international schools in Phuket

Two Thai nationals and two foreigners have been arrested in Phuket for illegally operating international schools through nominee arrangements, according to Phuket Provincial Police. The arrests were part of a broader crackdown on foreign-owned businesses suspected of breaking Thai laws in the Chalong and Rawai areas. During the investigation, officers found three international schools allegedly operating unlawfully.

Two foreign nationals controlled the businesses while two Thai nationals helped establish and register the companies using nominee arrangements.

Following the evidence gathered, police obtained arrest warrants for all four suspects. The identities and nationalities of the foreign suspects were not disclosed. On Tuesday, August 5, officers raided the schools and the suspects' homes, arresting everyone before taking them to investigators for legal proceedings under the Foreign Business Act. The investigation is ongoing to uncover any additional suspects or companies involved.

Chalong Police Station also warned foreign business operators to follow Thai laws and advised Thai nationals not to use their names as nominees, as those involved could face the same penalties as foreign business operators found guilty of violating the law. Authorities will continue enforcing the Foreign Business Act against illegal operations and those who facilitate nominee schemes.

Anyone with information about similar activities is urged to contact police by calling 191 or Chalong Police Station at 076-381247. The operation comes after new measures introduced by the Department of Business Development on August 1 to increase scrutiny of nominee arrangements, requiring foreign-invested companies to provide evidence of investment fund sources and submit written explanations and bank statements.