Sondhi Limthongkul says he will submit a protest letter to the Israeli embassy in Bangkok on Thursday, 10 September, over allegations involving foreign-run "grey" businesses and Thai nominee arrangements. The former People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) leader announced his new "Take Our Thailand Back" campaign at Baan Phra Athit on Monday, 7 September. Manager and SondhiX reported that he plans to deliver the letter at 9.30am. Sondhi alleged that some Israeli business operators were among foreigners using Thai nominees to run illegal or grey businesses. He cited the claims, and what he described as rising local discontent, as reasons for launching the campaign. Campaign targets foreign business concerns Sondhi said the press conference was intended to set out the movement's purpose and invite the public to demand rights, fairness and equal application of the law. His criticism was not limited to Israelis. He said weak enforcement had allowed problems involving foreign business groups, nominee structures and ownership of land and other assets to continue, accusing the government of failing to protect Thai interests. Sondhi also questioned what he called preferential treatment for large corporate groups, faster approvals for data-centre projects, and delays to compensation and recovery payments for Hat Yai flood victims. Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul had earlier dismissed the campaign's premise, saying: "Thailand belongs to all Thai people, so there is no need to take it back." Sondhi replied that the remark did not reflect the country's problems, and questioned whether authorities were tackling grey-business networks and applying the law equally. Phuket Rosh Hashanah event questioned Separately, Phuket residents have objected to a planned Rosh Hashanah gathering at Chabad Patong on Rat-U-Thit 200 Pi Road, in Patong, Kathu district. The event is scheduled for 11-13 September, from 4pm until midnight, with organisers reportedly expecting about 2,000 Israeli participants from around the world. Rosh Hashanah runs from sunset on 11 September until nightfall on 13 September this year, overlapping with the Jewish Sabbath. Participants have been invited to donate and take part in religious observances including Tashlich, a ritual representing the casting away of sins. Some residents cited alleged inappropriate behaviour by Israeli visitors, including claimed breaches of Thai law and disregard for local customs. They also asked whether the necessary permissions had been obtained. Organisers said they had sought approval from responsible local agencies. Phuket's governor said he would check the matter, leaving the permission status unclear. PAD's record of disruptive protests Sondhi organised anti-Thaksin protests in late 2005 before co-founding the PAD in February 2006. Its supporters became known as the Yellow Shirts and helped create the deadlock before the September 2006 coup that ousted Thaksin Shinawatra. In 2008, PAD protests escalated from an occupation of Government House to seizures of Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports. Flights were halted, travellers stranded and tourism badly disrupted before the campaign ended following a Constitutional Court ruling against the governing People Power Party. Picture courtesy of The Nation Join the discussion? 8 September 2026
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