Canadians Arrested in Phuket for Operating Illegal International School

PHUKET – Police have arrested two Canadians and two Thai nationals involved in operating an illegal international school. Officers from the Chalong Police Station successfully conducted a targeted raid on August 6, 2026, apprehending individuals suspected of using Thai citizens as nominees to circumvent foreign ownership laws. The operation specifically targeted foreign investors who were allegedly using Thai nationals as fronts for their businesses. This practice is illegal under Thai law, which restricts foreign ownership in certain sectors. The arrested Canadians are believed to have established and operated the school by using Thai citizens as official nominees to bypass these regulations. This arrest highlights the ongoing efforts by Thai authorities to crack down on illegal business operations by foreign nationals. Phuket, a popular tourist destination, has seen an increase in foreign investment, and authorities are keen to ensure that all businesses operate within the legal framework. The incident underscores the importance of transparency and compliance with Thai laws for foreign investors.