UPDATE: Phuket Land Protection Group petitions authorities over Israeli gathering in Patong
The Phuket Land Protection Group and local leaders have petitioned authorities over a planned Israeli gathering and religious ceremonies in Patong on 11 September, citing security concerns.
On 8 September 2026, the Phuket Land Protection Group and local leaders in Kamala, Kathu district, 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.
The petition formalises earlier criticism reported 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.
