Authorities in Bangkok have shut down an unlicensed international school in the Prawet district, detaining 10 foreign teachers and staff found to be working without valid permits.
The operation was carried out on Wednesday by investigators from the Immigration Bureau, alongside officers from the local police station and officials from the Department of Employment, following complaints over suspected regulatory breaches.
Upon inspection, officials discovered the school had been operating unlawfully for more than a year without the required licence, providing kindergarten and primary education to over 100 students.
Authorities said 10 foreign nationals — from India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Nigeria — were identified as working at the school as teachers and support staff without proper work authorisation.
All individuals were taken into custody and transferred to police in Prawet district to face legal action.
The investigation was launched after authorities received a tip-off alleging that an international school in the area was running without official approval while employing foreign staff illegally.
Prasart Khemmaprasit, commander of Immigration Division 1, said the case highlights the importance of due diligence by parents when choosing schools, warning that unlicensed institutions risk abrupt closure that could disrupt students’ education and academic records.
He advised parents to confirm a school’s registration status with the Ministry of Education prior to enrolment.
He added that the employment of foreign nationals must fully comply with Thai law, including visa requirements and work permits tied to specific job roles and locations.
Members of the public who suspect illegal employment involving foreign workers have been urged to report it via the national police hotline at 1599 or the Immigration Bureau hotline at 1178, which operate around the clock.
