UPDATE: More than 500 protesters rally outside Chabad House over Jewish New Year event in Patong

More than 500 protesters reportedly joined a Save Phuket rally against a Jewish New Year event at Chabad House in Patong on 11 September 2026, according to Nation Thailand. The march reached the venue in steady rain, where protesters gathered outside. Thai PBS later reported that the activity had ended. Organisers had initially expected about 200 participants, so the reported turnout exceeded the earlier forecast.

The protest had been announced by the Phuket Land Protection Group with 10 partner networks. In its report on the turnout, Nation Thailand called the gathering a “Save Phuket” rally and said Thai Buddhist and Muslim networks joined the march. Participants carried signs including “SAVE PHUKET NO ISRAEL”.

Administrative officials and police monitored the gathering. The acting Phuket deputy provincial governor observed, while the Kathu district chief negotiated with the group coordinator. Authorities instructed protesters not to enter Chabad House, avoid blocking traffic and comply with the law. Thai PBS reported that the protesters were then allowed to assemble outside the building.

The protest organisers described the action as a peaceful symbolic objection to the Jewish New Year event and a ritual to cleanse sins at Chabad House. They said the issue was sensitive and raised concerns about alleged past conduct by some tourists, including disregard for the law, inappropriate behaviour, prolonged stays and competition for local jobs. The organisers also said proceeding despite local concerns could lead to larger events in future.

Before the rally, the group had announced a route starting at Dolphin Roundabout on Patong Beach and running along Phra Barami Road into Rat-Uthit 200 Pi Road, covering about 500 metres. The programme called for participants to stop opposite Chabad House for about an hour of speeches from a vehicle fitted with loudspeakers before moving to Laem Phet sports stadium in Patong Municipality.

Patong police met group representatives for more than two hours on the morning of 11 September and asked them to change the route and cancel the planned speeches opposite Chabad House, according to the group’s coordinator. The coordinator said the group would proceed with its planned activities.

Workers and trucks entered and left Chabad House during the morning to prepare for the evening event. Patong police also placed traffic cones in front of the site to organise the area. Thai PBS later reported that the venue appeared quiet during the protest, although the evening event had reportedly been expected to attract up to 700 attendees. The acting Phuket deputy provincial governor said there was no report that the event had been moved.