A senior US official has expressed concern about what he called rising antisemitic rhetoric in Thailand after recent protests in Bangkok and Phuket targeting Israeli visitors and Jewish activities.

Rabbi Yehuda Kaploun, the US special envoy to monitor and combat antisemitism, said the US State Department was maintaining close contact with Thai authorities to ensure protection for the Jewish community during the holiday season.

"I am deeply concerned by rising antisemitic rhetoric in Thailand," Kaploun wrote. "The State Department remains in close contact with Thai authorities to ensure that the Jewish community is protected during the holiday season."

Concerns follow Bangkok and Phuket protests

Kaploun's comments followed protests directed at Israeli visitors and Jewish activities in the two Thai destinations.

In Phuket, a demonstration took place near the Chabad House, a centre used by Jewish residents and travellers. A planned Rosh Hashanah gathering there was subsequently reportedly cancelled because of security concerns.

Holiday gathering cancelled in Phuket

Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year and forms part of a period of important religious observances. The cancellation of the planned gathering in Phuket highlights the immediate effect that security concerns can have on community events, even where no wider changes to travel or immigration rules have been announced.

Thailand is a major destination for Israeli tourists, as well as foreign residents and visitors from many backgrounds. Chabad houses in tourist areas can serve as places for worship, community events and practical support for Jewish travellers.

The State Department's contact with Thai authorities indicates that the issue is being monitored at diplomatic level following the recent protests.

Join the discussion?

15 September 2026

View full article

A terrible look for Thailand , goes right against the Land of Smiles and Buddhist image .

38 minutes ago, Nick Carter icp said:

A terrible look for Thailand , goes right against the Land of Smiles and Buddhist image .

It's a look I never expected to see here, sad it has come about.

Clearly the US envoy does not know the difference between Anti-Semitism and anti-terrorist, anti-genocide, anti-crimes against humanity.

@JimHuaHin

Another thing the Rabbi doesn't seem to understand is how much Thais - from the lowest to the highest levels - hate to have foreigners dictate to them.

If he stays here long enough and causes enough trouble he will learn that lesson the hard way.

1 hour ago, JimHuaHin said:

Clearly the US envoy does not know the difference between Anti-Semitism and anti-terrorist, anti-genocide, anti-crimes against humanity.

Maybe someone should bring criminal libel charges against the US envoy for harming Thailand's reputation. That will teach them.

Those people had signs saying jews get out basically, is the reason. With a little research they could have actually had a protest with some merit behind it. But the optics are basically the same as these Muslims holding up saying LGBTQ get out, in a country with the most tolerance for marginalized people. I think you can see why this situation is more silly and borderline bizarre than anything

34 minutes ago, harvardgrad said:

Those people had signs saying jews get out basically, is the reason. With a little research they could have actually had a protest with some merit behind it. But the optics are basically the same as these Muslims holding up saying LGBTQ get out, in a country with the most tolerance for marginalized people. I think you can see why this situation is more silly and borderline bizarre than anything

Sondhi is just striking what the iron is hot - low hanging fruit because Jews/Israelis are in the news right now. He'll move onto other foreigners soon. Just wait and see.

6 hours ago, Nick Carter icp said:

A terrible look for Thailand , goes right against the Land of Smiles and Buddhist image .

Perhaps the Israeli community could do better when in Thailand. That would be a good start.