Phuket protesters oppose Rosh Hashanah event

More than 500 people gathered in Patong, Phuket, on 11 September 2026 to oppose a planned  Rosh Hashanah event.

The protesters, organised under the name Save Phuket, marched to Chabad Patong and declared their action a victory after the building remained closed throughout the rally. Police were present to manage the march and maintain security.

March from Dolphin Circle

The Protect Phuket Land group joined 10 Phuket civil-society networks in the Save Phuket coalition for the gathering at Dolphin Circle on Patong Beach.

Organisers said they opposed the Rosh Hashanah event, the establishment of Chabad in Thailand and Israeli tourists whom they alleged had displayed aggressive behaviour. Residents of Phuket and nearby provinces were among the crowd, reported to number more than 500.

Protest leaders used loudspeakers to urge Patong residents to join them before the group left the Dolphin Circle intersection at 4pm. Participants carried campaign placards and shouted out calls.

Police and protest leaders accompanied the procession as it travelled towards Chabad Patong.

Rally held outside Chabad

At the Ratcha Uthit 200 Pi Road intersection, about 50 metres from the building, officials explained rally rules to the organisers. A protest representative said the rally would finish at 6pm, with a stage set up beside the road opposite Chabad Patong.

Following discussions with authorities, the march was allowed to continue to the designated location outside the premises. Protesters continued shouting towards the building, saying they wanted to show that Phuket people did not want the Rosh Hashanah event or Chabad operating in Thailand.

At 5pm, Tae Achiwa arrived and addressed the crowd. He called on Phuket residents to unite against the event and said Israeli people should hold New Year celebrations and a ritual described as a cleansing of sins in their own country.

At 6pm, the crowd sang the songs We Fight and the Thai national anthem before organisers declared victory and ended the protest.

Building remained closed

Manager Online reported that Chabad Patong's doors remained shut during the demonstration. No staff members or tourists attending the festival were seen outside, according to the report.

Curtains were closed across all floors of the five-storey building, although lights remained on. The report suggested people may have entered the building earlier in the day before the march arrived.

Pictures courtesy of Manager Online

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12 September 2026