Phuket MP calls for preparations ahead of Patong Rosh Hashanah event
Phuket MP Chalermphong Saengdee has urged authorities to prepare for a Jewish New Year event in Patong expected to attract more than 2,000 people from 11 to 13 September.
Chalermphong Saengdee, a Phuket MP for Constituency 2 from the People’s Party, has urged government agencies to prepare for a Rosh Hashanah event scheduled at Patong Beach from 11 to 13 September 2026, with more than 2,000 attendees expected.
The event is being organised by Chabad Patong to mark Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. The group has promoted the gathering to Jewish visitors and tourists from around the world.
Chalermphong said Patong was already a densely populated tourism area and that authorities needed to coordinate in advance on space management, traffic, security, public utilities, emergency medical services and possible effects on local residents and other visitors.
He called on the Interior Ministry, Royal Thai Police, Tourist Police and Patong Municipality to work together to prevent overcrowding, traffic congestion and risks to public safety. He also asked the Immigration Bureau to prepare for the arrival of foreign visitors, check that entry and stays comply with the law, monitor overstays and examine whether people were using entry channels for purposes other than those authorised.
Chalermphong also questioned whether the event’s economic benefits would reach local residents and businesses. He said some visitors might spend within connected business networks serving the same group, and called for authorities to examine ownership structures, business operations and economic flows where there were concerns about nominee arrangements.
He said the authorities should determine whether such circumstances amounted to a “zero-dollar economy”, in which tourism revenue became concentrated within particular networks instead of circulating through the local economy. He stressed that no business should be labelled a nominee without a proper investigation.
Chalermphong said he did not oppose tourism or religious and cultural activities by foreign visitors, adding that Phuket welcomed people from all countries and faiths. His question, he said, was what local people gained when large numbers of tourists visited the province.
