In Thailand, the 'struggle against Israel' continues - details

Thai police raided a Chabad house in Krabi province on suspicion of illegal business activities and conducting religious events without permits. This is the second such incident in recent weeks amid rising anti-Israel sentiment. The governor declared zero tolerance for foreign businesses operating through nominees.

Thai law enforcement conducted a raid on a Chabad house in Krabi province on the Andaman Sea coast. This is the second such incident in recent weeks: in mid-September, authorities inspected a Chabad center in Patong, Phuket. The raid was part of an investigation into suspicions of illegal business activities through nominees and conducting religious events without necessary permits. The increased scrutiny of Israelis and Jewish centers comes amid rising anti-Israel sentiment in Thailand. The operation was led by the provincial governor and police commissioner, involving several government agencies. Special attention was given to a kosher restaurant in the building rented by Chabad. According to authorities, the establishment, registered under a Thai citizen, operated as a regular restaurant for the general public. During the raid, Israeli products and other goods delivered from the Chabad center in Bangkok without customs documents were discovered. All findings were seized for further investigation. Additionally, inspectors found a prayer room designed for about 20-25 people. According to local staff, groups of Israelis gather there on Fridays and Saturdays for communal meals and prayers. The organization of these meetings is reportedly handled by an Israeli citizen named Shimon, living in Krabi. Authorities were also suspicious of donation collection announcements and cramped rooms allegedly used as storage. After the raid, the governor declared a zero-tolerance policy for foreign businesses operating through Thai nominees and emphasized that practicing Judaism is permitted as long as there is no security threat. Police are also examining the financial activities of the kosher restaurant. Authorities note that the investigation is still in its early stages and the suspicions have not yet been confirmed.