Chabad in Patong Seeks Police Support for Jewish New Year Celebration

Patong-

The Chabad Patong community has formally requested police assistance to ensure safety during its upcoming Jewish New Year festival, Rosh Hashana, scheduled for September 11th, 2026.

The annual celebration, which has been held peacefully in past years, will take place at two venues: the Chabad Patong center and the Novotel Patong Hotel. Organizers expect around 600 participants at Chabad Patong and another 400 at the hotel, totaling approximately 1,000 attendees, fewer than the 2,000 reported in earlier media coverage. Most participants are Israeli residents of Phuket and tourists visiting during the holiday period.

Pol. Maj. Gen. Sinlert Sukhum, Commander of Phuket Provincial Police, confirmed that Chabad Patong representatives met with authorities on September 3rd to coordinate security measures. Police will deploy 50 officers, including 30 from Patong Police Station and 20 from the provincial investigative unit, supported by local administrative forces. Security plans include checkpoints at entry and exit points, undercover intelligence teams, and rapid-response units.

Authorities stated that the event does not require formal permission since it is being held on private property, not in public spaces. While social media discussions have hinted at possible opposition, police investigations found no evidence of organized protests or permit applications for public demonstrations.

Maj. Gen. Sinlert reassured the public that contingency plans are in place should any unexpected incidents arise. “We have prepared investigative teams, rapid deployment units, and sufficient manpower to safeguard both residents and tourists during the festival,” he stated.

The Chabad Patong New Year celebration has become a regular fixture in Phuket’s cultural calendar, reflecting the island’s diverse international community and its reputation as a welcoming destination for global visitors.