image sourced from original article at Thai police raided an unlicensed school on Ko Pha Ngan island and found 89 Israeli children enrolled at the facility, far exceeding its permit to care for 18 young children. The school, known as Arki Kid School, was reportedly serving children between the ages of two and 12.
The school was operated by an Iranian couple and a Thai woman, all of whom were arrested and charged with illegally running a school, employing foreign workers without permits, and violating child protection laws. Additional charges were filed against several foreign staff members for working without authorization or failing to properly report their employment.
Authorities said the action followed complaints about foreigners operating businesses that could pose national security concerns. The island, a popular destination for Israeli tourists and expatriates, has seen rising tensions and increased scrutiny over foreign-owned businesses amid concerns from local residents about tourism's impact on the community.
