Phuket governor orders investigation into Chabad activities
The governor of Phuket has ordered an investigation into the activities and land permits of the Chabad House in Patong. This follows the cancellation of a large Rosh Hashanah event and concerns regarding corporate ties to a separate Jewish cemetery project in Thailand.
Why it matters
The investigation highlights the intersection of local land-use regulations, international religious community activities, and geopolitical tensions in a popular tourist destination.
Phuket Governor Chotnarin Kerdsom on Tuesday ordered a comprehensive investigation into the activities of Chabad Patong, following questions over land ownership, permits for its use, building approvals and commercial licenses connected to the compound. Authorities were given seven days to submit their findings. The investigation concerns the Chabad House, where a Rosh Hashanah dinner planned for 2,000 Israeli travelers was canceled at the last minute on Friday after a pro-Palestinian protest was held in the area for several hours. The investigation also will examine shareholder records of companies linked to the operation to determine whether there is any overlap or connection with a company involved in a project to establish a Jewish cemetery in Chachoengsao province. The review follows recent remarks by Thailand’s deputy interior minister, Phonphir Suwannachawi, concerning the cemetery project.
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