Around 300 protest Chabad House Patong Rosh Hashanah event in Phuket

About 300 people gathered in Patong, Phuket, on 11 September to oppose a Rosh Hashanah religious event organised by Chabad House Patong Phuket, after provincial authorities approved it with a reduced scale and an attendance limit of 800.

The protesters, described as Buddhist and Muslim residents from Patong, Kamala, Kathu, Pa Khlok and nearby areas, gathered at Loma Public Park on Thaweewong Road carrying Thai flags and signs including “Protect Phuket land” and “NO ISRAEL”.

Sai Chon Nuchet, a representative of the Protect Phuket Land group, had submitted an open letter opposing the event to Phuket officials on 8 September. He said the objection had not stopped the event, as the province continued to allow it under revised conditions.

Tae Achiva, also known as Akrawut Kraisrisombat, and members of the Thai Mai Thon group joined the speeches. They called on government agencies to suspend the religious event involving Israelis in Phuket and investigate alleged nominee businesses and officials who supported illegal foreign businesses, according to the report.

The Chabad House Patong Phuket committee was scheduled to hold the Rosh Hashanah, or Jewish New Year, event on Rat Uthit 200 Pi Road from 4pm to 9pm. A Phuket security meeting authorised the activity only within the Chabad House premises and limited attendance to no more than 800 people.

The protesters later moved from Loma Public Park along Phra Barami Road and gathered at an intersection on Rat Uthit 200 Pi Road, about 100 metres from the venue. Patong police and administrative officials deployed personnel to maintain security. The report said there was no visible activity inside the venue, apart from cars blocking its entrance.