Authorities from the Koh Phangan district, in coordination with security services, have arrested five people including three Israeli women for illegally operating a childcare facility and violating foreign work regulations.
The operation was carried out yesterday at noon, on 3 April 2026, as part of the ‘Self-Sufficient DOPA 2026 District’ policy, on the orders of the governor of Surat Thani province, the deputy governor, the provincial secretary, and the head of the Koh Phangan district.
The operation, led by the district security chief, mobilised civil defence volunteers, immigration police, officers from the Koh Phangan police station, as well as special units. Law enforcement raided the ‘Babeli Koh’ nursery located in village no. 7 (moo 7) of the Koh Phangan sub-district, Surat Thani province.
Investigations revealed the illegal operation of a children’s nursery without any official authorisation, as well as the employment of foreign workers in irregular situations.
Five suspects have been taken into custody: three Israeli nationals, one Myanmar national and one Thai national.
They face prosecution for several offences, including operating a childcare service without a licence, illegal business activity by foreigners and failure to comply with foreign workforce declaration requirements.
The arrested individuals have been transferred to the Koh Phangan police station for further investigation.
The authorities have stated that they will relentlessly continue inspections of illegal establishments to bolster security and public order in this major tourist area of the country.
ThaiPBS & Local source