Phuket –
At 1:00 p.m. today, Mr. Rungreung Thimabutr, Chief Administrative Officer of Phuket Province, led a team of district officials and officers from Patong Police Station to inspect activities at Chabad House Patong.
Mr. Rungreung told the Phuket Express that the visit followed widespread discussion on social media regarding gatherings of Israeli nationals for religious events in the area, with some claiming that illegal activities were happening inside the premises or that Thai nationals were banned from entering spaces in their own country.
The inspection was prompted by posts on a local Phuket news Facebook page, which reported that large groups of Israelis had gathered at the Jewish synagogue (Chabad House) in Patong to celebrate the festival of Purim. Some also claimed, although didn’t present undeniable evidence, that illegal activities were happening, Thais were being discriminated against, and other similar statements.
The posts raised questions about the appropriateness of such events during ongoing conflict in the Middle East, sparking significant public debate and online sharing.
During the visit, officials met with representatives of the organizers, who explained that Chabad House hosts weekly religious activities for the Jewish community. These include Friday evening prayers and meals from 6:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., and Saturday services from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., typically drawing around 500 participants.
Organizers further clarified that Purim is an annual cultural and religious celebration held in early March, intended as a social gathering for Jewish residents and tourists. They emphasized that the event is strictly religious and cultural in nature, with no association to vice activities, and has been conducted regularly for years. They also stated that nothing illegal was happening, the chabads were not “Isreali bases” as some claimed online, and everybody was welcome although they had security measures like any venue. They stated the chabads were purely religious in nature and had no connection to any Isreali government actions or decisions.
Mr. Thimabutr stressed that while such activities may proceed, they must comply fully with Thai law. He instructed local administrative and police units to closely monitor future events to ensure public order, particularly given the sensitivities surrounding current geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Phuket authorities confirmed they will continue to track developments and coordinate with relevant agencies to safeguard peace, security, and the well-being of both residents and tourists in the province.
