UPDATE: Chabad Patong Rosh Hashanah event reportedly cancelled after Patong protest
Authorities monitored a peaceful protest near Chabad Patong on 11 September 2026; The Phuket Express reported about 400 protesters, while Nation, citing The Times of Israel, reported more than 500. Reports said the planned Rosh Hashanah celebration was cancelled after Israeli security concerns.
Phuket authorities monitored a peaceful protest by about 400 people in Patong on 11 September 2026 against a planned Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) celebration organised by Chabad Patong. The Phuket Express later reported, citing Israeli media, that the planned dinner at the Chabad centre was cancelled that day after Israeli officials raised security concerns.
Nation Thailand subsequently reported, citing The Times of Israel, that Chabad Patong had informed Jewish and Israeli visitors that the planned celebration was cancelled. It said the wider celebration had been scheduled for 11–13 September 2026, with 700–800 people expected. The Phuket Express and Nation gave different estimates for the protest: about 400 in the former report and more than 500 Thai residents in the latter. The reports did not resolve the difference.
The demonstration took place as Jewish and Israeli visitors began arriving for a religious ceremony scheduled to start at 4pm. Police placed traffic cones on the opposite side of the street to prevent vehicles from parking in the area.
Siwatch Rawangkul, acting provincial governor of Phuket, joined district and municipal officials, Patong police and administrative officers to oversee the situation in Patong, Kathu district. Officials said the operation was intended to maintain order while protecting demonstrators' legal rights and minimising disruption to residents, businesses and tourists.
The protest was organised by Protect Phuket Land, which had petitioned provincial authorities to reconsider the event over concerns about public safety, the local community and tourism. Protesters said their objections concerned overall security rather than any particular religion or nationality.
Before the reported cancellation, Chabad Patong had confirmed that it would proceed with the celebration despite the opposition. Following discussions with provincial authorities, organisers agreed to reduce the event's scope and duration.
According to The Phuket Express, hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside the centre in opposition to the Jewish New Year celebration. Registered guests were notified hours before the dinner, after Israeli security personnel warned that escalating protests could pose risks of violence.
The demonstration remained peaceful, and participants had dispersed by 5.50pm without incident. Phuket authorities said they would maintain a neutral and lawful approach while protecting the rights of all parties. Nation Thailand reported that the area around Chabad Patong appeared unusually quiet on 12 September, and that no local government agency had announced further developments concerning the event as of that date.
