Officials in Krabi have inspected a kosher restaurant in Ao Nang after it reopened following the deportation of its former Israeli owner over an alleged nominee arrangement.
Krabi Governor Angkoon Sila Thawikul led the inspection. Authorities had previously found that the restaurant's actual owner was an Israeli national who allegedly used two Thai nationals as nominees to operate the business.
Restaurant reopened after former owner was deported
The Krabi Provincial Court imposed a penalty in the earlier case, after which the Israeli owner was deported from Thailand.
About 20 days later, a new company was registered to run the restaurant “Beit Hiliel house”, listing a Thai businessperson from Chiang Mai as its owner. The premises subsequently reopened, reportedly setting aside part of the restaurant for Jewish religious ceremonies.
Food, alcohol and bread seized
During the latest inspection, officials said almost all products at the restaurant lacked Thai Food and Drug Administration registration or approval. They also alleged that the goods had not completed the required customs import procedures.
The products included frozen food, bread and alcoholic beverages. Officials further noted that the menu was written entirely in Hebrew, without Thai-language descriptions, which they said failed to meet applicable requirements.
Packaging found at the restaurant indicated that some goods had been sent from Bangkok and Surat Thani. The items were seized as evidence while officials investigate how they entered Thailand.
The operator faces a charge of importing goods without completing the required customs procedures. Authorities have also contacted the listed business owner to provide information for the inquiry.
Transfers to Israeli national examined
Investigators reviewing the restaurant's financial records reportedly found transfers to an Israeli national who was not named as the business owner. That individual was said to have close ties to the former owner who was deported.
The transfer amounts allegedly matched the restaurant's declared revenue during a period running from August to July. Officials are examining those transactions as part of the wider investigation.
The inspection also raised questions over the restaurant's reported connections to Chabad groups operating in Thailand. For foreign investors and business operators, the inquiry highlights the continued scrutiny of arrangements where the person listed as owner may not be the person authorities believe controls a business.
Pictures courtesy of อังกูร ศีลาเทวากูล
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1 October 2026
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