CHALONG, PHUKET – Police arrested two Canadians and two Thai women for allegedly using Thai nominee shareholders to run an international school.
Daniel (46), Melissa (44), Khwanchon (57) and Praewa (37) face charges of bypassing legal limits on foreign business ownership. The case is part of a nationwide crackdown on foreign-funded companies.
Four suspects arrested over school operation
Police in Chalong nabbed the four on August 6, 2026, under arrest warrants from the Phuket Provincial Court. Daniel and Melissa are Canadian citizens. Khwanchon and Praewa hold Thai nationality.
Investigators claim Thai shareholders held their stakes for foreigners. This created the impression the company was fully in Thai hands.
Arrest outside residence in Chalong
The two Canadians were arrested outside a residence in Moo 6, Chalong, in Phuket’s Muang District. Police did not release the surnames of the four suspects.
Police accuse Daniel and Melissa of accepting help from Thai citizens or non-foreign companies. This allegedly allowed them to run a foreign-controlled business against the law.
Thai women accused of holding shares
Khwanchon and Praewa face charges of supporting or jointly running a foreign business. They allegedly acted as shareholders even though police say the stakes actually belong to foreigners.
The two women also face charges related to setting up and operating a private school. Police are checking whether required Thai ownership and capital ratios were met.
Accounting firm as channel for more deals
During the investigation, officers say they found another link. Khwanchon is registered as a shareholder in an accounting firm in Chalong.
The firm allegedly served as a channel for accounting work and transactions of three more linked companies. Police are now examining trust agreements and foreign-capital deals.
Raid targets foreign-funded firms with Thai nominees
The operation is part of a nationwide crackdown ordered by the government, the Royal Thai Police and Provincial Police Region 8. The focus is on foreign-funded companies using Thai nominees for stakes.
Police accuse the suspects of bypassing restrictions on foreign ownership of companies. This case involves running an international school inside Thailand’s education system.
Investigators continue probe
All four suspects were handed over to investigators at Chalong Police Station for further legal steps. Police are continuing their probe into possible nominee deals and illegal foreign-capital businesses.
Tips can be called in to Chalong Police Station at emergency number 191 or 076-381247. The number is available around the clock.