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‘This Is Israeli Territory’: Phuket Widens Business Probe

Thai authorities have expanded an enforcement campaign targeting suspected nominee-owned businesses in Phuket, with more than 361 companies now facing inspection following a confrontation at Chabad House in Patong.

The move was announced after officials inspecting the premises were reportedly challenged by an unidentified person who asked: “Don’t you know that this is Israeli territory?” Deputy Interior Minister Polpee Suwanchawee responded: “This is Thailand. Everyone on Thai soil must comply with Thai law. No one has the right to claim sovereignty over Thai territory.”

Polpee said the operation was not aimed at any particular nationality, religion or source of foreign investment, stressing that everyone living and doing business in Thailand is subject to the same laws.

Inspections expanded across Phuket

The confrontation took place while officials from the Interior Ministry, local administrative authorities, immigration police and tourist police were inspecting the Patong premises in Kathu district.

Investigators were examining suspected use of Thai nominee shareholders to conceal foreign ownership, along with businesses allegedly operating without the required licences.

Following the inspection, the Interior Ministry broadened its campaign to include more than 361 businesses considered potentially high-risk. Those being checked include hotels, luxury villas, restaurants and tour companies, as well as firms suspected of using nominee structures to disguise foreign ownership.

The ministry said anyone found breaking the law would face prosecution, adding that the campaign is intended to protect fair business opportunities for Thai operators and safeguard the country’s economic sovereignty.

Religious activities not the focus

According to the report, Chabad House in Patong has previously been inspected after local businesses and social media users raised concerns that it had become a gathering place linked to business networks serving particular groups of Israeli nationals.

Authorities said the centre operates under the Chabad of Thailand Foundation, which has centres nationwide, including in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Koh Phangan in Surat Thani, Mae Hong Son and Phuket. The centres provide facilities for Jewish religious ceremonies and festivals, together with food and accommodation for Israeli visitors.

The Interior Ministry said the inspections are not directed at religious activities. Instead, officials say they are ensuring businesses, buildings and other operations comply with Thai law.

Authorities noted that although Thailand’s constitution guarantees freedom of religion, all activities must remain within the law, avoid disrupting public order and must not be used to conceal illegal commercial operations or nominee ownership arrangements.

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Picture courtesy of The Nation

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27 July 2026

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mfd101 Platinum Member

mfd101

Advanced Member

Watch the money talk ...

ikke1959 Diamond Member

ikke1959

Advanced Member
40 minutes ago, msbkk said:

Is it mentioned that the 361 companies belong to 1 man?

How must you read this than?:

5 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

suspected nominee-owned businesses in Phuket, with more than 361 companies now facing inspection following a confrontation at Chabad House in Patong.

The move was announced after officials inspecting the premises were reportedly challenged by an unidentified person who asked: “Don’t you know that this is Israeli territory?”

Liverpool Lou Star Member

Liverpool Lou

Advanced Member
4 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

In my opinion this is far worse than a few talking youngsters in a BTS. Israelis are claiming territory, which they do in their own country too. But how can it come so far that 1 man has 361 companies...???

It was not reported that "one man had 361 companies". Your incessant tempted Thai-bashing is tedious in the extreme

"Israelis are claiming territory, which they do in their own country too".

Why shouldn't Israelis in Israel claim Israeli territory is Israeli?

Liverpool Lou Star Member

Liverpool Lou

Advanced Member
2 hours ago, JerryM said:

There was a big dust up in Huay Kwang Bangkok a Chinese restaurant only accepting RMB yuan

A report that turned out to be false.

Liverpool Lou Star Member

Liverpool Lou

Advanced Member
1 hour ago, msbkk said:

Is it mentioned that the 361 companies belong to 1 man?

Of course there isn't, it's just another one of his daily lame Thai-bashes.

Liverpool Lou Star Member

Liverpool Lou

Advanced Member
45 minutes ago, ikke1959 said:

How must you read this than?:

6 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

suspected nominee-owned businesses in Phuket, with more than 361 companies now facing inspection following a confrontation at Chabad House in Patong.

The move was announced after officials inspecting the premises were reportedly challenged by an unidentified person who asked: “Don’t you know that this is Israeli territory?”

You must read it carefully and then you should be able to understand what it actually says.

msbkk Silver Member

msbkk

Advanced Member
2 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

How must you read this than?:

You might read again because 99% of people interpret this different from you.

novacova Star Member

novacova

Advanced Member
3 minutes ago, dddave said:

Because Israelis frequently violently expropriate legally owned land from resident Arab and Palestinian who have owned the properties since before the foundation of the State of Israel. Countless Arabs and Palestinians, even those with Israeli citizenship have had their land and orchards stolen without compensation.

Yeah well, this sorta thing been going on for thousands of years by nearly every civilization that has existed. Who’s land did your ancestors steal from?

koolkarl Gold Member

koolkarl

Advanced Member
4 hours ago, Deerculler said:

The Jews are doing it all over the world.

Never read such an ignorant, racist comment ever. Did you pass high school?

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