Phuket authorities search two Rawai locations of international school under court warrants

Phuket Immigration and Chalong Police searched two locations linked to an international school in Rawai under warrants issued by the Phuket Provincial Court on 8 October 2026.

The operation was ordered by Pol Col Khemchat Watthanaphakasem, superintendent of Phuket Immigration, and carried out with officers from Chalong Police Station. The warrants covered the school's primary and secondary sections in Rawai, Mueang Phuket district. The local investigation unit was headed by Pol Col Surasak Jaideel.

Officers found foreign nationals who identified themselves as co-owners during the searches. The school employed 49 foreign teachers and staff members and seven Thai teachers. Investigators seized about 20 documents as potential evidence, while related individuals were invited to provide statements.

Chalong Police investigators will examine the seized materials to determine whether Thai nationals acted as nominees for foreign parties in the ownership structure, or whether the business was operated in breach of laws restricting foreign control of certain enterprises. Further legal action will follow after the facts are clarified.