A Rosh Hashanah celebration organised by Chabad Patong will go ahead in Phuket on 11 September, but under reduced hours, a single venue and an 800-person attendance limit.
Phuket authorities acted after local objections raised security concerns and questions about the effect of the gathering on the surrounding community. The event will be held at Chabad House in Patong district from 4pm until 9pm.
The original plan involved Chabad House and a hotel, operating from 4pm to midnight, and was expected to cater for around 1,000 Jewish residents and visitors. The hotel has now been removed from the programme, the expected attendance has fallen by about 200 people, and the celebration will finish three hours earlier.
Authorities reject calls to cancel event
The decision followed talks involving provincial authorities, security agencies and Chabad Patong representatives. Organisers told officials that cancellation was no longer practical because tickets had been sold, some participants had booked accommodation and preparations were complete.
They said a cancellation could result in significant losses for Chabad Patong and harm Phuket's image as an international tourism destination. Organisers also noted that the celebration is held annually.
Provincial authorities concluded that the circumstances did not meet the threshold for security measures to suspend the event.
Protest permitted away from Chabad House
The review was prompted by a petition filed with Phuket authorities on 8 September by the Protect Phuket Land group. It asked for the celebration to be reconsidered, citing concerns about security, possible violence by third parties or incidents connected with conflicts involving Israel.
The group also raised concerns over the location of Chabad House within a local community.
After authorities allowed the event to proceed, Protect Phuket Land said it was disappointed and announced plans to protest when the celebration starts. It questioned whether the venue could safely hold 800 people, claiming its capacity may be about 700. Organisers have not disclosed how many tickets have been sold.
Authorities said a protest will be allowed if the group follows the required application procedures. Demonstrators will be allocated a location away from Chabad House to reduce the risk of confrontation or clashes.
Picture courtesy of The Nation
Related story
Phuket-reviews-Patong-rosh-hashanah-event-over-safety
Join the discussion? 
11 September 2026
Recommended Comments
Create an account or sign in to comment