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.

Picture courtesy of The Nation

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27 July 2026

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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...???

Old habits die hard !

I blame the DTV

driving to Phuket town yesterday from kamala,

saw a new restaurant on the main road

Jesuselm

Seems phuket is a sanctuary for russians an Israelis now and neither are really liked, merely tolerated cause they bring in $$$$$

4 minutes ago, zzzzz said:

driving to Phuket town yesterday from kamala,

saw a new restaurant on the main road

Jesuselm

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

Maybe the new restaurant above will only accept shekels.

Watch the money talk ...

I suppose there is no harm in talk. However, whoever the idiot was should be arrested for insurrection. Claiming land like this is the short end of the stick. While Thais try hard not to insult people, short, sharp, swift, action is now necessary to teach them a lesson.

I'm sure they're right. This is an extended part of West Bank land!

4 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

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.

Maybe...Quote:

Sayanim (Hebrew for "helpers" or "assistants") are unpaid Jewish civilians located in the diaspora who provide logistical support to Mossad agents in their global operations. The network was formalized by Meir Amit, who served as Mossad director from 1963 to 1968, to allow the agency to conduct vast international operations with a slim budget and reduced exposure.

These volunteers, who are often non-Israeli citizens but hold full loyalty to Israel, are recruited by Mossad field officers (known as katsas) to perform tasks such as:

Providing safe houses, vehicles, and financial resources without raising suspicion.

Offering professional services (e.g., as doctors, bankers, or lawyers) to facilitate intelligence gathering or agent cover.

Gathering overt intelligence and rumors from local communities.

4 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

“Don’t you know that this is Israeli territory?”

This must go down to in history as one of the most stupid, arrogant comments resulting in an own goal.

Like “My money built your country”.

3 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...???

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

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?”

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?

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.

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.

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.

deport and ban Israeli's like many countries.

2 hours ago, Deerculler said:

The Jews are doing it all over the world.

Seems they have an office in the DC White House.

If the the Thais are not careful, the Israelis will pull some verse out of the Talmud that claims Thailand as their own.

If the Thais are smart, they’ll make 109 increase to 110. 🧃

36 minutes ago, Liverpool Lou said:

Jews are doing what all over the world?

Existing.

That really bothers certain people.

7 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

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.

It is antisemitic to not allow Israelis to have Thai nominees. In fact, not allowing Israelis to by Thai land is antisemitic as well.

52 minutes ago, malibukid said:

deport and ban Israeli's like many countries.

The bans that do exist are generally about not recognizing the state of Israel and/or opposing their government's policies rather than about the behaivor of Israeli tourists and expats.

2 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

How must you read this than?:

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

1 hour ago, Liverpool Lou said:

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?

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.

Edited July 27Jul 27 by dddave

7 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

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.”

It’s quite remarkable that many foreigners here can’t understand basic laws here, or anywhere for that matter.

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?

Maybe it is time for Thailand to follow Malaysia's example and ban all Israelis - or are tourists numbers more important?

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?

Judging from the thumbs down reaction to sensible comments here Israeli are obviously on this forum. To actually condone such terrible behaviour by Israeli is absolutely disgusting !