Authorities in Koh Pha Ngan, Thailand, have arrested an Israeli national and a Romanian national following a raid on an unlicensed childcare center. The operation, conducted on July 4th, targeted the “Little Panda” facility after receiving intelligence that it was being operated by foreign nationals. The raid is part of a broader initiative by Surat Thani province to address illegal business operations by foreigners.
Childcare Center Under Investigation
Immigration officers, district officials, and local police converged on the Little Panda childcare center upon receiving a tip-off. The center, which caters to foreign children aged two to six years old, was found to be operating without the necessary licenses. During the inspection, officials discovered 42 foreign children engaged in various educational and recreational activities, supervised by both Thai and foreign staff.
The facility appeared well-equipped, featuring classrooms, educational materials, dining areas, and an outdoor play space. The reported tuition fee for the center was 45,000 Thai baht for a four-month term. At the time of the raid, the center employed three Thai nationals and three foreign nationals in supervisory roles, along with ten Myanmar nationals working in support positions such as childcare assistants, gardeners, and cleaners.
Key Individuals Apprehended
During the inspection, 55-year-old Israeli national Ziv Radomsky identified himself as the owner of the business. Records indicate he entered Thailand on June 7th via Suvarnabhumi Airport with a Non-Immigrant Visa O, valid until September 4th. However, Radomsky was reportedly unable to produce a work permit or the required license to operate a childcare facility.
Investigators allege that Radomsky managed the childcare center through a company named Sunshine Shop Co., Ltd. He, along with three other directors, was reportedly responsible for managing company documentation, financial accounts, processing tuition fees, communicating with parents, and overseeing the overall finances of the operation.
Additionally, authorities examined the documentation of 13 foreign workers present at the center. While most possessed valid permits, 25-year-old Romanian national Meda Andreea Capilna was found to be allegedly working outside the conditions stipulated by her work permit. Capilna had entered Thailand on a Non-Immigrant Visa B, valid until May 28, 2027, with an initial work permit registered as a marketing manager.
Evidence suggests Capilna was instead employed as a childcare supervisor, coordinating learning activities for the children. When questioned, she stated that she had been working at Little Panda since approximately November 2024 and was receiving a monthly salary of 33,000 Thai baht from Radomsky. She admitted to not reporting her change in employment or job description to the authorities, a legal requirement.
Allegations and Charges
Radomsky reportedly acknowledged to investigators that the premises had been operating as a childcare center since 2024 without an official license. He stated that the business was in the process of preparing the necessary documentation to apply for one. He further confirmed his role in managing the company, signing official documents, liaising with parents, and overseeing financial matters, despite lacking a valid work permit for such activities.
Following the investigation, both Ziv Radomsky and Meda Andreea Capilna were arrested. They face multiple charges, including jointly establishing or operating a childcare center without a license, working as foreign nationals without the appropriate work permits, and failing to notify authorities of the employment of foreign workers within the legally mandated timeframe.
Legal Proceedings Underway
Both individuals have been transferred to the Koh Pha Ngan Police Station to undergo further legal proceedings. The operation underscores the ongoing efforts by Thai authorities to ensure compliance with business regulations and immigration laws, particularly concerning operations involving foreign nationals and the provision of services to children.
The investigation into Sunshine Shop Co., Ltd. and the broader network of operations allegedly managed by Radomsky is expected to continue. Authorities are committed to upholding the safety and regulatory standards for childcare facilities within the province.
