Pai Locals Raise Concerns Over Chabad House Amid Security Warnings

[webfact]

Picture courtesy: AMARIN TV

 

In Pai, a district in northern Thailand's Mae Hong Son province, the establishment of a Chabad House has sparked questions among locals, despite receiving formal authorization from the Interior Ministry. Former government official Nantiwat Samart has also expressed concerns over potential security threats, warning of terrorism risks linked to such centres.

 

Tourist Police recently convened with local officials, police, and business owners to address community issues, focusing on ensuring compliance with laws, particularly regarding accommodations and tourist spots.

 

They stressed the need for vigilance against overstaying and illegal work among visitors and aimed to foster a clearer understanding of Thai regulations among both tourists and local businesses.

 

As part of this initiative, officials visited the Chabad House, engaging with its caretakers and representatives from the Israeli tourist community to discuss local concerns.

Despite these efforts, some Pai residents remain sceptical about the centre's legitimacy. The land where the Chabad House stands was reportedly intended for residential use, not as a Jewish community centre.

 

Samart, a former deputy director of the Prime Minister’s Intelligence Unit, further emphasised the risks, advocating for strict immigration checks to prevent tourists from overstaying.

 

He questioned the legislative basis for the Chabad House's establishment, noting that religious centres are typically subject to specific registration processes and security considerations, especially in towns like Pai which are popular with international visitors.

 

Amid these debates, broader security considerations are at play, as Samart pointed out the global security risks associated with synagogues and Chabad Houses, which have historically been targets for terrorist activities. This adds a layer of complexity to discussions about religious and community centres in tourist areas like Pai, reported Thai Newsroom.

 

-- 2025-02-22

 

 

[Evil Penevil]

Opposing a Chabad House is raw antisemitism.  That type of antisemitism has nothing to do with anti-Zionism or the conflict in Palestine.  It is pure hatred of Jews and their religion.

 

A Chabad House provides informal social services to Jews who are ex-pats or tourists.  Its activities range from psychological counseling to celebrations of religious holidays.  Chabad Houses function as "safe spots" for Jews while traveling.  

[TheAppletons]

2 hours ago, Evil Penevil said:

Opposing a Chabad House is raw antisemitism.  That type of antisemitism has nothing to do with anti-Zionism or the conflict in Palestine.  It is pure hatred of Jews and their religion.

 

A Chabad House provides informal social services to Jews who are ex-pats or tourists.  Its activities range from psychological counseling to celebrations of religious holidays.  Chabad Houses function as "safe spots" for Jews while traveling.  

 

  Not what the story said but you can make up whatever you want on the internet, apparently, so go right ahead.

 

  If you actually read the story, it states two basic concerns:

 

  a.  Illegal work/overstays

 

  b.  Concern for the safety of the facility as many Jewish facilities are targets for violence/terror activities.

 

  On a side note, if a select few of the Israeli tourists in Pai didn't act like complete jerks there probably would be no issues raised at all.  I supposed that's anti-semitic too....?

 

  

[Bkk Brian]

22 minutes ago, TheAppletons said:

 

  Not what the story said but you can make up whatever you want on the internet, apparently, so go right ahead.

 

  If you actually read the story, it states two basic concerns:

 

  a.  Illegal work/overstays

 

  b.  Concern for the safety of the facility as many Jewish facilities are targets for violence/terror activities.

 

  On a side note, if a select few of the Israeli tourists in Pai didn't act like complete jerks there probably would be no issues raised at all.  I supposed that's anti-semitic too....?

 

  

Indeed they are targets for terrorists, monsters and hate speech along with discrimination as this article evidences. Collective punishment for people from Israel. And as mentioned by the poster you responded to  "raw antisemitism"

 

This Pai nonsense is being milked for all its worth over one or two incidents and you've just jumped on the bandwagon.

 

 

[jippytum]

Beligirent Israllies causing problems at a local hospitial started scrutiny of the large Israeli jewish population in Pai. 

Tha Thai authorities acting to eleviate local concerns have every right to check the credentials of one large population of foreigners dominating a  small tourist location such as Pai. 

[digger70]

6 hours ago, webfact said:

The land where the Chabad House stands was reportedly intended for residential use, not as a Jewish community centre.

If that's right why Don't /Didn't the people  object to the building of the centre.

Seems Someone overlooked  what's Right or Wrong.

[khunjeff]

5 hours ago, TheAppletons said:

 

  If you actually read the story, it states two basic concerns:

 

  a.  Illegal work/overstays

 

  b.  Concern for the safety of the facility as many Jewish facilities are targets for violence/terror activities.

 

I can understand (b), but that is presumably a matter for the police and the national security establishment to consider and deal with.

 

But (a) makes no sense at all - what is the connection between a Chabad House and overstays?

 

And by the way, there are multiple Chabad facilities throughout Thailand, most of which were established many years ago and have been completely non-controversial. The one in Pai is suddenly a problem because a few Israelis acted like idiots and were dealt with appropriately? 

[LukKrueng]

8 hours ago, webfact said:

Samart pointed out the global security risks associated with synagogues and Chabad Houses, which have historically been targets for terrorist activities

That's kinda blame the victim, isn't it? Before you close any synagogue or Chabad house why don't you evict all Buddhists from the 3 southern provinces? They are being targeted by Muslim militants as well. And put all women and children in protective custody as many are being targeted for rapes and other abuse.

[Evil Penevil]

 

8 hours ago, TheAppletons said:

Not what the story said but you can make up whatever you want on the internet, apparently, so go right ahead.

 

I'm certainly not making anything up.  The Chabad House in Pai includes space used for a synagogue and prayer rooms.  Denying  Jews a place to worship is the heart of antisemitism.  It goes back to  the destruction of Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar II in 587 BCE.  In any time period, from Biblical days to the present, people who wish ill on Jews have attempted to deny them places of worship.

 

8 hours ago, TheAppletons said:

 

 If you actually read the story, it states two basic concerns:

 

  a.  Illegal work/overstays

 

  b.  Concern for the safety of the facility as many Jewish facilities are targets for violence/terror activities.

 

 

@khunjeff gave you an excellent answer in his post.  I agree with it:

 

3 hours ago, khunjeff said:

I can understand (b), but that is presumably a matter for the police and the national security establishment to consider and deal with.

 

But (a) makes no sense at all - what is the connection between a Chabad House and overstays?

 

 To emphasize what he said, the first Chabad House opened in 1993 in Bangkok.  Since then, Chabad Houses have opened in  Koh Samui, Phuket, Chiang Mai and Koh Phangan as well as Pai.  They have served tens of thousands of Israeli and other Jewish tourists and none has been associated with any sort of controversy,  You can read more about Chabad in  Thailand here:

https://www.jewishthailand.com/templates/articlecco_cdo/aid/301323/jewish/Chabad-of-Thailand.htm

 

 

8 hours ago, TheAppletons said:

On a side note, if a select few of the Israeli tourists in Pai didn't act like complete jerks there probably would be no issues raised at all.  I supposed that's anti-semitic too....?

 

Punishing all Jews by denying them a place of worship because the actions of a few young Jewish men is indeed naked antisemitism.  I totally agree the Israelis who caused trouble in Pai should have been- and were- punished appropriately.  But to hold Jews collectively responsible for the misbehavior of a few individuals is a classic signal of antisemitism.

[TheFishman1]

It’s amazing to me that four is really Tourist he’s very bad judgment in a hospital and now this is what’s happening TIT

[TheAppletons]

1 hour ago, Evil Penevil said:

Punishing all Jews by denying them a place of worship because the actions of a few young Jewish men is indeed naked antisemitism.  I totally agree the Israelis who caused trouble in Pai should have been- and were- punished appropriately.  But to hold Jews collectively responsible for the misbehavior of a few individuals is a classic signal of antisemitism.

 

  No, it's a classic signal of Thai overreaction.  The Thais are punishing foreigners for the misbehavior of foreigners.  The foreigners in Pai just happen to be Jewish in this instance.

 

  "....Police General Kitrat Panphet, has directed police forces across the nation to heighten surveillance of foreign nationals amid escalating concerns over public order and safety. This new measure, announced on 17 February, stems from reports of foreign visitors’ conduct that disrupts social harmony, violates public morals, and potentially damages Thailand's reputation.

 

and

 

"The move follows troubling incidents, notably in Pai, Mae Hong Son, where local businesses recently refused service to Israeli nationals. This decision arose after reports of inappropriate behaviour by some Israeli tourists, who allegedly verbally abused medical staff and threatened property damage at a local hospital.

Adding to the concern, a Facebook video depicting intoxicated foreigners harassing female restaurant owners went viral, fanning online safety fears."

 

 

 

 

[Bkk Brian]

Just now, TheAppletons said:

 

  No, it's a classic signal of Thai overreaction.  The Thais are punishing foreigners for the misbehavior of foreigners.  The foreigners in Pai just happen to be Jewish in this instance.

 

  "....Police General Kitrat Panphet, has directed police forces across the nation to heighten surveillance of foreign nationals amid escalating concerns over public order and safety. This new measure, announced on 17 February, stems from reports of foreign visitors’ conduct that disrupts social harmony, violates public morals, and potentially damages Thailand's reputation.

 

and

 

"The move follows troubling incidents, notably in Pai, Mae Hong Son, where local businesses recently refused service to Israeli nationals. This decision arose after reports of inappropriate behaviour by some Israeli tourists, who allegedly verbally abused medical staff and threatened property damage at a local hospital.

Adding to the concern, a Facebook video depicting intoxicated foreigners harassing female restaurant owners went viral, fanning online safety fears."

 

 

 

 

They checked it yesterday and found nothing so that's out. Only leaves the excuse of them being terror targets......yea right

 

Recently, immigration authorities conducted an inspection at a community centre frequently used for Jewish gatherings. During this event, approximately 200 to 300 Israelis were present for prayers and meals. The inspection concluded with no legal violations detected.

 

 

[TheAppletons]

1 hour ago, Bkk Brian said:

They checked it yesterday and found nothing so that's out. Only leaves the excuse of them being terror targets......yea right

 

Recently, immigration authorities conducted an inspection at a community centre frequently used for Jewish gatherings. During this event, approximately 200 to 300 Israelis were present for prayers and meals. The inspection concluded with no legal violations detected.

 

 

 

  Good news for them then.  If this was actually anti-semitism one would have expected legal violations galore.  You know, just because.

 

  Sounds like the immigration authorities were doing exactly what they were told to do - increase surveillance of foreigners.

 

  If you want to play paranoid conspiracy theorist, go for it. 

 

  

 

  

[Bkk Brian]

6 minutes ago, TheAppletons said:

 

  Good news for them then.  If this was actually anti-semitism one would have expected legal violations galore.  You know, just because.

 

  Sounds like the immigration authorities were doing exactly what they were told to do - increase surveillance of foreigners.

 

  If you want to play paranoid conspiracy theorist, go for it. 

 

  

 

  

 If you want to play paranoid conspiracy theorist, go for it.

 

What paranoid conspiracy theories would those be then?

[Evil Penevil]

1 hour ago, TheAppletons said:

 

  Good news for them then.  If this was actually anti-semitism one would have expected legal violations galore.  You know, just because.

 

  Sounds like the immigration authorities were doing exactly what they were told to do - increase surveillance of foreigners.

 

  If you want to play paranoid conspiracy theorist, go for it. 

  

 

You seem to be conflating two very different occurrences:  1) a crackdown on foreigners behaving in violation of Thai law; and 2) an attempt to close down a Chabad House that functions as a synagogue and community center for Jews.   I have no argument with 1) as it is the right and proper thing for Thai police to do, but 2) is pure antisemitism. 

 

Any foreigner, Israeli or otherwise, should be punished for breaking Thai law, including lifetime bans on re-entering Thailand in serious cases.  That has nothing to do with closing down a Chabad House which provides positive services.  It's sure as hell better for young Israeli men to be worshipping in a synagogue and eating Shabbat dinner together than getting drunk in bars.

 

It's a real stretch to believe the Thai police are taking action against all misbehaving foreigners by trying to close a Chabad House.  One has nothing to do with the other and only an antisemite would want to close a Chabad House.  Conspiracy theories don't enter into it;  the whole reaction against the Chabad House in Pai is down to ignorance and prejudice on the part of a few Thais.  Ignorance and prejudice have been behind antisemitism for centuries.