Thai authorities have inspected an international school in Bangkok’s Pridi Banomyong area after it was allegedly found operating without a licence and employing six foreign teachers without valid work permits.
The inspection took place on May 29 and involved officials from the Office of the Private Education Commission (OPEC), Immigration Division 1, and the Department of Employment under the Ministry of Labour.
The joint operation was launched after authorities received information that the school had been running classes despite allegedly lacking official approval to operate as an educational institution.
Monthon Phaksuwan, secretary-general of the Private Education Commission, said OPEC had been alerted to an international school in the Pridi Banomyong area that was reportedly providing education without proper authorisation.
Following the report, he instructed OPEC officers overseeing international schools to carry out an initial examination of the case.
The preliminary review found that the school had not received permission from OPEC to operate legally.
Despite this, it had allegedly promoted student admissions from kindergarten through secondary level, offered lessons based on a foreign curriculum, and shared images of classroom activities online.
OPEC said these actions may violate the Private School Act, leading the agency to approve a joint inspection with immigration and labour officials.
During the inspection, officers confirmed that the school did not hold a valid licence to operate as an international school.
Authorities also found a number of foreign nationals working as teachers across different subjects.
After examining their documents, officials identified six foreign teachers from the Philippines and Myanmar who allegedly did not have work permits.
OPEC has since filed a complaint with investigators at Khlong Tan Police Station to allow legal proceedings to move forward.
Monthon emphasised that anyone wishing to establish a private school must obtain official approval from OPEC before opening.
He also urged parents and the public to be careful when selecting private schools for children.
He warned that unlicensed schools could cause serious consequences for families and students, including the possibility of sudden closure, substandard education, and qualifications that are not recognised by the Ministry of Education.
OPEC said members of the public can check the list of legally approved private schools at school.opec.go.th.
