Phuket Governor Chotinrin Kerdsom says there are two Chabad sites in the province, both under close monitoring as authorities examine business structures linked to Israelis and other foreigners. The governor said the investigation is part of a wider government review of possible nominee arrangements and business activity that may breach Thai law. He stressed that the scrutiny is not limited to Israeli nationals and will not affect ordinary tourists visiting Phuket. Chabad is a Jewish religious and community organisation. The issue drew official attention after reports that the owner of premises used by Chabad Phuket held a Thai national ID card and was linked to more than 100 companies operating across several provinces. Two Chabad locations in Phuket According to the governor, Phuket has two locations connected with Chabad: Chabad Patong, on Rat Uthit 200 Pi Road in Patong, Kathu district, and another site in Rawai, Muang Phuket district. Both locations serve as gathering places and venues for religious activities within the Jewish community. Provincial administrative officers and Kathu district officials have been monitoring the behaviour and business activities of Israelis in the area, he said. Police and administrative authorities are checking for conduct that could breach the law or affect state security. The work extends beyond Phuket, with information being shared with agencies in areas where other Chabad branches operate. The governor said authorities are examining foreign nationals of all groups where business ownership structures or suspected nominee use raise questions. Visitors told tourism will not be affected Phuket already holds data on all nationalities, including Israelis entering and staying in the province, the governor said. Officials and police will investigate strongly if they find unlawful activity or behaviour that could disturb public order. The province has passed information from its deeper investigation to central agencies after finding links to companies operating in five provinces. Phuket is ready to provide further support from its central databases, he added. Citizenship records and company links examined An unnamed source said investigators were also reviewing Thai ID cards and citizenship held by people connected with Chabad. The source said a Ministry of Interior announcement dated 21 November 2017 granted Thai nationality to 46 foreign nationals, including Chinese, British, American and Israeli citizens. The records reportedly included an Israeli-American family of six people who received Thai nationality together, with Bangkok listed as their domicile. The source also said at least two people granted Thai nationality had significant roles in managing or supporting religious activities for Thailand's Jewish community, which has religious venues in Bangkok, Phuket, Koh Phangan, Koh Samui, Pai and Chiang Mai. One person granted Thai nationality in 2017 is now listed as a director and shareholder in 34 companies, according to the source. Investigators need to establish whether Thai shareholders genuinely invested in and controlled the businesses, or whether Thai status was used to bypass restrictions on foreign business operations. Pictures courtesy of Manager Online Join the discussion? 15 August 2026
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