Thailand investigates Chabad House in Phuket: "Direct instructions from the Deputy Interior Minister"
Authorities in Phuket province, Thailand, have launched an in-depth investigation of the Chabad House in Patong, following direct instructions from the Deputy Interior Minister. Seven days have been allocated to examine land permits, businesses, and ties to Israeli landowners. The probe is part of a broad enforcement operation against shell companies with foreign ownership, during which thousands of companies were checked and action was taken against 196 of them.
Authorities in Phuket province, Thailand, have launched an in-depth investigation of the Chabad House in Patong, following direct instructions from the Deputy Interior Minister. The Deputy Government Spokesperson confirmed that the investigation was opened in accordance with government policy. Only seven days have been allocated to complete the probe, which will examine land permits, businesses, and ties to Israeli landowners. At the center of the investigation is a project to establish a Jewish cemetery, with preliminary checks revealing that the company behind it is owned by three Israelis who also hold Thai citizenship. The provincial governor has ordered the full findings to be published for the public after seven days. The measures against the Chabad House are part of a broad enforcement operation against the use of nominees in companies with foreign ties. Out of more than 32,000 registered corporations in Phuket, over a third (34.59%) have foreign shareholders. Authorities checked 6,682 companies suspected of fictitious holdings and found evidence to take legal action against 196 of them—a move that has already led to a sharp drop of more than 60% in the registration of new companies with foreign involvement.