Phuket Migrant School Faces Closure After Video Exposes Challenges
Phuket, Thailand—Following a viral YouTube documentary, “THE OTHER SIDE OF PHUKET 🇹🇠THAILAND,” by Ride with Gabi, which depicted a Myanmar migrant worker community in central Phuket as a “slum,” Phuket officials have clarified the situation surrounding the Ban Sri Chumphabal Foundation and its educational services. The video sparked significant online discussion and prompted a swift investigation by local authorities.
On March 17, 2025, Phuket Deputy Governor Colonel Adul Choothong led a press conference at the Phuket Provincial Hall, presenting the investigation’s findings. He was joined by Phuket Provincial Clerk Teerapong Chuaychu, Phuket City District Chief Pairoj Srilamul, and representatives from agencies responsible for employment, social development, and human security.
The investigation, conducted by the Phuket Provincial Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) with multiple provincial offices, revealed that the foundation, located at Soi Hatchananiwet 2/9, Anuphas Phuket Kan Road, provides education and meals to over 300 children of migrant workers. Supported by donations and volunteers, the foundation’s location, while densely populated, is not classified as a slum by local authorities.
The probe identified three unpaid foreign volunteers—an American, an Irish national, and a Hong Kong Chinese national. Their status was clarified using the Office of the Council of State’s position that volunteers in charitable organizations are not considered workers and thus do not require work permits. Ten other foreigners with valid work permits, including a German national, were also identified, along with one individual lacking registered status and eight Myanmar nationals. Immigration officers and the Provincial Employment Office are verifying the immigration status and work rights of the children’s parents.
Consequently, the Ban Sri Chumphabal Foundation temporarily suspended its educational activities pending review by the Provincial Education Office. While the foundation remains open for other children’s activities, the suspension highlights the legal requirement for authorized educational institutions. Operating an unauthorized school carries penalties of up to one year imprisonment and a 20,000 baht fine.
This situation underscores the challenges faced by migrant workers and their children in Thailand. While Thai law guarantees free, quality education for all children under 18, regardless of background, access remains difficult for migrant worker children. Foundations like Ban Sri Chumphabal often bridge this gap, providing accessible education near migrant communities. This incident emphasizes the need for collaborative solutions to ensure all Thai children receive an education, fulfilling the inclusivity promised by Thai law. The Provincial Education Office’s further investigation should clarify the situation and potentially lead to a more sustainable and legally compliant approach to educating the children of Phuket’s migrant workers.
