Phuket Governor Orders Urgent Probe into Patong Chabad Operations

Phuket –

The Governor of Phuket has directed a comprehensive investigation into the operations of Chabad Patong, with a strict deadline of seven days to deliver findings. The probe will cover land ownership, land-use permits, building construction approvals, and commercial licensing connected to the organization.

The order follows remarks by Deputy Interior Minister Polpree Suwanchawee, who recently addressed concerns about a foreign cemetery project. According to his statement, the company behind the cemetery was founded by three Israeli nationals who also hold Thai citizenship and own the land in question. Authorities believe there may be links between the cemetery company and Chabad Patong.

Phuket Deputy Governor Ruamdon Hayiawa, acting as spokesperson for the province, confirmed that Governor Chotnirin Kerdsom has instructed all relevant agencies to conduct a deep and thorough review. This includes examining shareholder records to determine whether they overlap with those of the cemetery company, as suggested by the Deputy Interior Minister.

Officials stated that the investigation will be carried out strictly within the framework of Thai law, stating that all individuals and organizations must comply with national regulations. Once the review is complete, the province will release the findings to the public.

The governor’s directive signals a determination to clarify the legal standing of Chabad Patong and any associated entities, ensuring transparency and accountability in matters of land use and commercial activity in Phuket.

Officials have repeatedly also stated the enforcement and investigation is not directed at any particular nationality or religious group but is merely ensuring Thai law was properly followed.

Related articles:

Local officials in Phuket coordinated a multi-agency operation yesterday afternoon to ensure public safety during a protest against the planned Jewish New Year festival organized by Chabad Patong.

A local activist group, Protect Phuket Land, has formally petitioned provincial authorities to reconsider the upcoming Jewish New Year festival, Rosh Hashana, scheduled for September 11th, 2026.

Phuket authorities have requested organizers of the upcoming Rosh Hashanah event in Patong to reassess the event due to concerns regarding public safety, the community, and tourism.

The Chabad Patong community has confirmed plans to proceed with its Rosh Hashana (Jewish New Year) celebration on September 11, despite mounting opposition from local activist groups. Organizers agreed to scale back the event’s scope and duration following tense negotiations with provincial authorities.

The atmosphere outside Chabad Patong grew increasingly active this afternoon as Jewish and Israeli visitors began arriving for a religious ceremony scheduled to start at 4:00 p.m. Local police placed traffic cones along the opposite side of the street to prevent vehicles from parking in the area, though no visible security deployment has yet been observed around the venue.

Tensions are rising in Phuket ahead of a Jewish New Year celebration organized by the Chabad community in Patong, as local activist groups vow to protest while authorities scramble to ensure safety.