Police arrested eight Korean teachers who were working illegally at a language school in Thailand.

The suspects, six men and two women, were detained at two locations in the capital Bangkok on February 6.

Immigration officers raided the two branches and found classrooms, teaching equipment, and Korean learning media such as textbooks and work sheets. There were also pamphlets promoting Korean language courses.

Authorities said most of the Koreans had entered Thailand on a 90-day visa exemption under the country's free visa scheme. While some had a Thai spouse but still lacked a valid work permit.

The teachers said they were paid between 200 to 350 baht to teach online or face-to-face lessons.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Suriya Phuangsombat of Immigration Division 1 said: ‘Police have charged all eight Korean suspects for teaching in Thailand without work permits.

'We charged the school owner for employing foreigners without a work permit. The suspects and the confiscated items were handed over to the inquiry officer for further legal action.'

On January 28, police also arrested six Chinese and Burmese nationals for illegal employment in Thailand.

The tourists - Chen Tao, 40, and Yang Bo, 31, and four Burmese named Lai, 18, May, 23, Kai, 23, and Mo, 19 - were detained for working as hairdressers - an occupation reserved for Thai natives.

The raid came as Tourism Minister Sorawong Thienthong ordered police to crack down on law-breaking foreigners 'to build confidence among tourists'.