PHUKET, THAILAND – Police in Rawai detained six foreign women at a Russian-language kindergarten over alleged work permit violations, as authorities signalled tougher checks on foreign-run businesses.
Raid at “Litti Kids” kindergarten in Rawai
Police carried out an inspection at the Russian-language kindergarten “Litti Kids” in Rawai, where six foreign women were taken into custody. According to officials, the women were unable to present valid work permits during the check.
The operation formed part of wider inspections targeting illegal business activities in Phuket. Investigators stressed that both employees and employers could be held liable for violations.
Checks on nominee structures – arrests based on labour rules
Officials visited the kindergarten as part of a broader campaign against companies allegedly using Thai “nominee” shareholders to circumvent the Foreign Business Act. The aim was to uncover concealed foreign control over corporate structures.
However, the arrests in Rawai were not linked to possible ownership offences but were based on the Alien Employment Decree. Police stated that the decisive factor was the women’s failure to show valid work permits.
No names, no nationalities – company not identified
Authorities did not release the names or nationalities of the detained women. The official name of the employing company was also not disclosed.
It therefore remained unclear how long the women had been working at the facility and in which roles. Officials confirmed only that the required work permits were not produced during the inspection.
Penalties facing workers and employers
Under Thai law, both foreign employees and employers are liable if work is carried out without a valid permit. The women face fines ranging from 5,000 to 50,000 baht and possible deportation.
Employers can be fined between 10,000 and 100,000 baht for each person hired without a permit. Repeat offenders risk a ban of up to three years on employing foreign staff.
Wider crackdown on foreign-run businesses in Phuket
The Rawai inspection formed part of a larger push against foreign-run or foreign-focused companies in Phuket. According to the report, businesses serving Russian-speaking customers were a particular focus.
Of eight companies checked, at least four were said to have links to Russian-speaking operators and to target this market segment. Authorities announced that they would continue with the inspections.
Further companies checked – no arrests reported
Additional checks related to suspected nominee arrangements were carried out at the property agency Seven Home in Cherng Talay, CUTANA Rental in Kamala, ThaiGoRent in Karon and an unnamed motorcycle rental shop in Wichit. In these cases, no arrests were reported.
The inspections indicated that authorities were monitoring both labour law and company law at the same time. Officials signalled an ongoing focus on structures that may mask foreign control.
Tighter migration controls: visa-runs and 60-day rule targeted
Authorities have long cited illegal employment and unlicensed business activities as reasons for tightening migration controls. This included stricter enforcement of existing regulations.
Proposed changes mentioned in this context included limits on so-called visa-runs and an end to 60-day visa-free stays. These measures were portrayed as part of a tougher overall approach alongside the current enforcement actions.
What happens next for the detained women
The six women now faced legal proceedings that could result in fines and deportation. Police confirmed that investigations and inspections in Phuket would continue.
Further checks were expected to ensure compliance with labour and business laws. The Rawai case was presented as an example of the authorities’ current enforcement priorities.