Phuket Chabad house inspection adds to Israel-Thailand tensions

A sudden police inspection at a Chabad house in Phuket has become part of wider tensions involving Israeli visitors, foreign-owned businesses and relations between Thailand and Israel.

The inspection was followed by a heated confrontation after an individual allegedly questioned Thai authorities about entering the religious premises, according to a report by the Chiang Rai Times. Thailand’s deputy minister responded that everyone must obey national laws.

Authorities are investigating whether the site operates through illegal foreign corporate ownership structures. The checks include its business licences, building use and fundraising activities, the report said. The Thai government has stressed that the financial investigations are intended to enforce commercial regulations and do not target any particular religion.

The report also said the incident prompted a broader enforcement operation involving hundreds of businesses suspected of illegal foreign ownership. Some communities in Phuket have held protests calling for stricter rules for foreign visitors, including a reduction in the permitted 30-day stay for certain tourist groups.

Israel’s ambassador to Thailand, Alona Fisher-Kamm, has met senior Thai officials as both countries seek to prevent individual cases from damaging their bilateral ties. Thai officials maintain that visitors of all nationalities are welcome but must comply with local laws, while the Israeli embassy is cooperating to promote responsible behaviour among its citizens.

The diplomatic effort follows the deportation of Israeli national Yaacov Ohayon from Koh Samui. A court there convicted him of sending threatening messages to a local business owner, after which Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul signed an order for his deportation. The report said Thailand’s stricter immigration framework allows authorities to remove foreign nationals regarded as disruptive, including in cases resulting in a fine.