
KOH PHANGAN — Thai authorities raided an unlicensed daycare center called “CoolSchool” on Koh Phangan, Surat Thani province, on Tuesday, arresting eight foreign nationals in a joint operation by local police, immigration officers, and administrative officials.
The raid was part of the government’s crackdown on illegal immigration, unauthorized foreign workers, and transnational crime. Among those arrested were five Russians, two Ukrainians, and one Myanmar national.

The key suspects, Ms. Margarita (42, Russian) and Mr. Oleksandr (43, Ukrainian), who operated the facility, face multiple charges including operating an unauthorized childcare facility, running a business without proper permits, and employing foreign workers without work permits. Mr. Oleksandr faces an additional charge for overstaying his visa by 1,086 days.
Five other foreign nationals were charged with working without permits, while the Myanmar national was charged with failing to report employment details to authorities within the required 15-day period.
The investigation was conducted by Surat Thani Provincial Police in collaboration with Koh Phangan Immigration Office and local law enforcement as part of ongoing efforts to regulate foreign-operated businesses on the island.
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