Phuket Police Raid Three Illegal Foreign-Owned Businesses

Georgealbert · February 8

Picture courtesy of Phuket police.

Phuket police conducted a series of coordinated raids on the morning of 7 February, targeting three businesses operating without proper authorisation. The establishments, all linked to foreign ownership, were found to be in violation of multiple Thai laws. Authorities have taken legal action against the owners and employees involved.

1. Unlicensed Foreign-Run Nursery in Pa Khlok, Thalang

The first raid took place at a privately run nursery catering to foreign children in Pa Khlok, Thalang. Upon inspection, police discovered 10 children aged between 2 and 4 years old being cared for at the facility.

Two individuals were identified as key figures in the operation:

• Alina, a Russian national who worked as a nanny and co-founded the company.

• Buantawi Chang Lek (31, Thai national), the company’s registered director, who was arrested for operating a nursery without a valid license.

The case has been handed over to Thalang Police Station for further investigation. Authorities are now looking into the company’s legal status and whether additional charges may apply.

2. THAILIVING KIDS Centre in Cherng Talay, Thalang

A second raid was carried out at the THAILIVING KIDS centre in Cherng Talay, Thalang, where officers discovered 25–30 children in attendance. The business was found to be operating illegally as a nursery, with several foreign employees working without valid work permits.

Four individuals were taken into custody:

• Dmitrii Shumilov (43, Russia) – charged with illegally operating a nursery and employing foreign workers without proper authorisation.

• Svetlana Ogai (43, Russia) – arrested for working without a permit.

• Alena Koipish (40, Belarus) – arrested for working without a permit.

• Sergey Konon (34, Kazakhstan) – arrested for working without a permit.

The suspects were transferred to Cherng Talay Police Station, where further legal proceedings are underway. Authorities have also launched an investigation into the foreign-owned company behind the centre, suspecting additional violations of Thai business regulations.

3. Phuket Fight Club in Chalong

The third and final raid of the operation took place at Phuket Fight Club, a combat sports training facility located in Chalong, Phuket. During the inspection, police found 30–40 individuals engaged in training activities.

The club’s director, Praepettai Rattana (32, Thai national), was arrested for operating a private training school without a license. Under Thai law, combat sports gyms that offer structured training programs require special licensing, which the establishment had failed to obtain.

All cases have now been handed over to the investigation department, with authorities expected to pursue criminal charges and potential deportations for the foreign individuals involved.

Officials have reiterated Thailand’s strict policies on business licensing and work permits, warning that further crackdowns will continue to target unregistered foreign-owned businesses. The raids come as part of a broader initiative to strengthen compliance with Thai law and ensure fair competition within the local business sector.

-- 2025-02-09