Massive raid on Jewish institutions in Thailand - 61 companies under one address

Thai authorities raided three Jewish sites in Bangkok, including the Chabad House, Chabad Gan, and the Association of Thai Jews, on suspicion of operating a business network using Thai nationals as front persons, circumventing foreign ownership restrictions. Over ten enforcement agencies participated in the raids, during which foreign workers without permits were found.

Thai authorities raided three Jewish sites in Bangkok yesterday (Thursday): the Chabad House Bangkok, Chabad Gan, and the Association of Thai Jews. The raids were part of a broad investigation into a network of businesses and assets linked to Israeli citizens, in a country where restrictions on foreign ownership of businesses exist. More than ten investigation and enforcement agencies participated in the raids, including the police, the tax authority, the immigration authority, the anti-money laundering authority, and the land department. Investigators are examining the identity of the controlling owners and ultimate beneficiaries, sources of funds, real estate transactions, company activities, and the status of Thai citizenship granted to some of those involved. The focus of the activity was on institutions linked to Chabad. Among the approximately 40 foreign workers, authorities found three Myanmar citizens employed without work permits, who are expected to be deported. In the raid on the Association of Thai Jews, two Laos citizens employed without permits were found. Rabbi Nechemya Wilhelm, the Chabad emissary in Bangkok, denied any connection between Chabad and the companies under investigation, explaining that the site where documents were found is an accountant's office providing services to many companies. Authorities also raided the construction site of "Beit Elisheva," the oldest synagogue in Bangkok.