KOH PHANGAN, Thailand – Three Israeli women, along with Thai and Myanmar staff, have been arrested for operating unlicensed childcare centers on the island in Surat Thani province, officials said.
Authorities, including district officers, immigration police and local security units, carried out coordinated raids on two properties on April 4, where they found groups of foreign children aged between 2 and 5 years old in daycare-style settings.
At the first location, officers discovered 13 children inside a building modified to resemble a small school, complete with desks and learning materials. Two Israeli women, aged 34 and 45, were taken into custody along with a 28-year-old Myanmar employee.
Investigators said the main operator faces multiple charges, including running a childcare business without a license, operating as a foreigner without permission, and failing to properly report foreign workers. Others were charged with failing to notify authorities of employment details within the required timeframe.
At a second nearby site, officials found another 10 children attending what appeared to be a class. A 40-year-old Israeli woman believed to be running the facility, along with a 28-year-old Thai assistant, was arrested. Both reportedly admitted to operating the unlicensed service.
All suspects were taken to Koh Phangan Police Station for further legal proceedings.
Officials stressed that childcare businesses must comply with Thai licensing and labor laws, warning that further inspections will be carried out across Koh Phangan.
