SAMUT SAKHON, THAILAND – A major education scandal has rocked Thailand after authorities uncovered over 900 migrant children being taught by unqualified teachers in two illegal schools during a sweeping raid in Samut Sakhon. The children were found in a three-story facility operating without any official authorization.
Major Operation in Krathum Baen District
On Thursday, October 9, police, education officials, and administrative officers launched simultaneous raids at two locations in Krathum Baen District. The main site was a three-story building in the Tha Mai subdistrict, which had already had its license revoked—yet classes continued unabated.
In total, more than 900 students and 27 unqualified teachers were discovered. The Thai operator brazenly claimed the facility was a licensed youth camp, but officials quickly saw through the ruse: the school was not registered for any educational activities.
Teachers Working with “Blue Card” Permits
Even more alarming, all 27 teachers—many believed to be migrants themselves—were working under “Blue Card” permits, which are strictly for unskilled labor and explicitly prohibit teaching.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Khetrat Chansin, Deputy Governor of the province, confirmed on October 10: “The children are being transferred to legal and accredited educational institutions.” Legal proceedings have already begun against those responsible.
Samut Sakhon: A Migrant Labor Hub
Samut Sakhon is widely known as a center for migrant labor. Estimates suggest 660,000 migrant workers live in the province, nearly 60% of whom are undocumented. Around 400,000 are from Myanmar, with most employed in seafood processing and manufacturing.
Authorities have not ruled out further raids. “We are committed to protecting the rights of all children and ensuring safe, lawful education for everyone,” an official statement declared.
Parallel Actions in Bangkok
In a related operation, labor and immigration officers in Bangkok’s Ratchada and Bang Na districts inspected foreign teachers’ qualifications following reports of illegal educators and the arrest of eight South Korean nationals.
No offenders were apprehended this time, but authorities announced: “Further operations are planned.” The crackdown on illegal educational institutions has only just begun.
What Will Happen to the Children?
The children are now being placed in state schools, where they will receive proper education. For many, the illegal schools were their only chance at schooling—a sobering reflection on Thailand’s treatment of migrant children.
How Did This Go Unnoticed?
Hundreds of children, illegal schools, zero oversight—a scandal at the heart of Thailand’s education system. Has the state failed to protect migrant children, or is there a need for more flexible education pathways for migrant families? Join the discussion.