Raids expose illegal migrant schools in Samut Sakhon
Officials uncover unauthorised youth facility during joint raid
Police, education, and administrative officials raided two illegal schools in Samut Sakhon where hundreds of migrant children were being taught by unqualified staff without permission.
Over 900 migrant students and dozens of unauthorised teachers were discovered during a major raid on two illegal schools in Samut Sakhon province on Thursday, October 9.
The operation targeted two buildings in Krathum Baen district, including a three-storey facility in Tha Mai subdistrict. Despite having its licence revoked, the school had continued to operate, offering classes to migrant children and employing 27 staff members without proper credentials.
The Thai national behind the facility claimed the site was being run as a licensed youth camp. However, officials quickly dismissed the claim, confirming the location was not registered for any educational or youth-related activity.
To make matters worse, all 27 staff members, believed to be of migrant status themselves, were working under blue-collar labour permits, which do not allow individuals to work as teachers.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Khetrat Chansin, the provincial deputy governor, stated yesterday, October 10, that the children will be transferred to legal and accredited educational facilities. He added that legal proceedings are already in motion against the individuals responsible for operating the illegal schools.
“Officials are committed to protecting the rights of all children and ensuring safe, lawful education for everyone.”
According to 2021–2022 estimates, Samut Sakhon is home to roughly 660,000 migrant workers, with nearly 60% believed to be undocumented. Around 400,000 of these individuals are reportedly from Myanmar. The province has long served as a major hub for migrant labour, particularly in seafood processing and manufacturing.
Officials have not ruled out further raids as part of ongoing efforts to regulate migrant education and crack down on illegal operations that exploit both children and workers, reported Bangkok Post.
In similar news, labour officials and immigration police launched surprise inspections in Bangkok’s Ratchada and Bang Na areas to investigate uncertified foreign teachers. The raids, prompted by reports of illegal educators and following the arrest of eight South Korean nationals, found no offenders this time. Officials confirmed more operations are planned.
Latest Thailand News
Follow The Thaiger on Google News:
