Hundreds rally in Phuket demanding closure of Chabad operations in Thailand

Hundreds of protesters rallied in Phuket, Thailand, demanding the closure of Chabad operations and action against alleged illegal economic activities by foreigners, including Israeli-linked organizations. The protest followed Thailand's revocation of the citizenship of Rabbi Yosef Chaim Kantor, head of Chabad in Thailand, for using his American passport. Organizers charged that shady foreign investments threaten the local economy, with twenty local groups leading the demonstration under the banner 'Unite to Take Back Our Thailand.'

Hundreds of protesters rallied in Phuket, Thailand, calling on authorities to end the activities of the Chabad movement and take action against alleged illegal economic activities by foreigners, including Israeli-linked organizations. The protest came days after Thailand revoked the citizenship of Rabbi Yosef Chaim Kantor, head of Chabad in Thailand, for using his American passport to travel abroad, violating Thai law. Chabad said it is challenging the revocation through legal channels. Organizers at the protest charged that shady foreign investments and illegal businesses threaten the local economy. Lawyer Nok Khao told the crowd that foreign capital groups have seized sovereignty, while Thais face unfair competition. Twenty local organizations, led by the Phuket Land Protection Group, organized the protest under the banner 'Unite to Take Back Our Thailand.' The protest is part of broader scrutiny of Israeli tourists and businesses in Thailand, including a previous demonstration in Patong in August.