Thailand raids Koh Phangan school as nationwide labor checks target nomads

Nationwide labor checks are underway

Thailand has widened inspections of foreign workers after a May 1 raid on an unlicensed school and childcare center on Koh Phangan found 89 foreign children and multiple undocumented workers, including 40 Myanmar nationals and 12 others. Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn ordered the Department of Employment to step up checks in every province, including Bangkok, with police and immigration.

The Koh Phangan operation led to arrests of the facility manager, director, a foreign couple and six foreign teachers, according to local reports. Authorities said they are focusing on workplaces with unregistered foreign workers and employers that aren’t complying with permit rules.

Who’s most exposed

The checks are most relevant to expats, digital nomads and others doing informal or permit-violating work, especially in teaching and other casual jobs. Tourists on visa-exempt or tourist entries aren’t the target unless they’re working illegally.

Permit holders can still face scrutiny if they’re working outside approved roles. Foreign-owned businesses are also under review on Koh Phangan, where officials are checking for nominee structures and other labor violations.

What workers should verify now

Foreign workers in Thailand generally need a Non-Immigrant B visa and a work permit. Employers apply through the e-Work Permit system with supporting documents and the permit is typically valid for 1 year and renewable.

Illegal work can bring fines of 5,000 to 50,000 baht, deportation and a 2-year work-permit ban. Employers face fines of 10,000 to 100,000 baht per worker, with higher penalties for repeat violations. Read our full Thailand guide for the complete picture and visa updates for the latest changes.