Thai military, police and immigration forces raided an illegal kindergarten and school on Friday on the island of Koh Phangan, which is associated with a large Israeli community.
During the raid, police were shocked to discover that the facility, which was licensed as a daycare for only 18 children between the ages of two and five, had over 100 students. The educational institution, called 'Arki,' operated under the guise of a small kindergarten, but in reality functioned as a school.
The forces discovered 89 Israeli children aged 2–12 in the bamboo buildings and classrooms, along with other children from Myanmar and foreign countries.
The raid was carried out following complaints on social media about an establishment being illegally operated by foreigners - and particularly Israelis, who operate businesses without appropriate licenses - a move perceived by locals and authorities as a violation of Thai national security.
The raid marked a step-up in enforcement against illegal businesses on the island, amid growing tensions between the local population and the approximately 2,500 Israelis living in the area.
During the operation, three key suspects in the management of the place were arrested: a 45-year-old Iranian couple, suspected of operating a private school without a license, and a 61-year-old Thai citizen, who assisted in operating the place.
Nine additional teachers were also arrested - including foreign workers from countries such as the US, South Africa, France and England - on suspicion of working without appropriate work visas and in violation of immigration laws.
According to local police reports, some of those present tried to escape the compound during the raid.
The suspects are now facing a series of charges, including violating child protection laws, employing foreigners without a license, and operating a business without a permit.
Regarding the situation of the Israeli children, the authorities clarified that they were in Thailand with legal long-term residence visas and that no evidence of physical harm or abuse was found, and therefore the children were returned to their parents immediately after the end of police activity at the scene.
