Authorities Raid Restaurant in Ao Nang Over Chabad Gatherings and Nominee Suspicions

Krabi –

On the 29th of September 2026, Krabi Governor Angkura Silathewakul, accompanied by Police Major General Sukkasem Nakhonwilai, commander of the Krabi Provincial Police, led a multi-agency inspection of a in Ao Nang amid concerns over possible nominee business practices and unauthorized religious activities.

The team examined a four-storey commercial building in Ao Nang, Mueang Krabi district. The premises are leased by a company, a firm registered entirely under Thai ownership, and operate as a restaurant primarily serving foreign tourists.

Inspectors found seven Thai staff members, including the manager, working at the venue. While the restaurant presents itself as serving general food, a closer examination revealed that many food and beverage items had been imported from Israel, mostly routed through a Chabad centre in Bangkok. Officials noted the absence of proper customs declaration documents for these goods.

One room inside the building had been converted into a space for Jewish religious ceremonies associated with a Chabad, with a capacity for approximately 20–25 people. Staff told authorities that groups of Israeli nationals regularly gather there every Friday and Saturday for meals and religious rites. These gatherings are led by an Israeli man named Simon who resides in Krabi town. Donation collection signs were displayed at several points in the restaurant, while the upper floors contained small storage rooms with no residential occupants.

Governor Angkura stated that the inspection was conducted in line with measures to prevent and address nominee businesses and foreign violations of Thai law, under the policy of Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. Officials focused on three main areas: the company’s shareholding structure and business operations, compliance with relevant laws, and any issues related to foreign ownership or acquisition of land.

In the initial findings, authorities seized the Israeli-imported food and beverages that lacked customs documentation. Regarding the religious gatherings, the governor noted that such activities by practitioners of Judaism are permissible provided they do not affect national security or public order.

The operation remains in the evidence-gathering and preliminary fact-finding stage. Police are also examining a bank transfer of 600,000 baht from the restaurant manager to a foreign man identified as Sogrev, which has been retained as evidence for further investigation into possible links with the business.

Further inquiries into the ownership structure, import practices, and related financial transactions are ongoing.