UPDATE: Phuket authorities ask organisers to reassess Jewish New Year event in Patong

Phuket authorities have asked organisers to reassess the 11 September 2026 Rosh Hashanah, or Jewish New Year, event in Patong, citing public-safety, community and tourism concerns. The request followed a petition from the Phuket Land Protection Group and local leaders in Kamala, Kathu district.

On 8 September 2026, the group and local leaders submitted a petition to Phuket provincial authorities opposing a planned gathering of Israeli nationals and religious ceremonies in Patong on 11 September. Thai PBS reported that the petition concerned a ceremony to cleanse sins, other religious rituals and the gathering of Israelis at Chabad and a hotel in Patong. The group referred to reports that about 2,000 people could attend.

Danai Dada, a representative of the group, said it was concerned about security and feared Phuket could become a target of international conflict. He said the movement was not connected to religious conflict and had no political backing.

After receiving the petition, provincial official Siwat Rawangkul said authorities would consult the Phuket governor and security agencies and proceed under the law while taking account of public safety and local residents’ feelings.

According to The Phuket Express, which cited a press release from the Thai Government Public Relations Department, Governor Chotnarin Kerdsom assigned Deputy Governors Khettharat Chansilp and Romdon Haji-Awae to lead discussions with security agencies, administrative officials, police and other stakeholders after receiving the petition.

Provincial authorities said Patong is a major international tourism area where large gatherings require thorough risk assessments. They raised the possibility of disruption by third parties affecting residents, visitors and Phuket’s reputation as a tourism destination.

Khettharat said the province prioritised public order and the safety of residents and tourists, applying the same laws and standards to all groups without discrimination. Police said security measures would be determined by the situation and would protect the public, tourists and all event participants without favouring any group.

After the meeting, authorities asked the organisers to review the concerns and notify the province of their intended actions by 9 September. The province said this would allow officials to assess the situation further and prepare appropriate measures while balancing the right to organise events with public safety, order and confidence in tourism.

The petition formalised earlier criticism reported by Thai Enquirer on 7 September. Thai Enquirer said the proposal had drawn objections over safety, public order and local cultural norms amid recent backlash against foreign visitors accused of violating laws and community etiquette in Phuket.