Phuket probe finds no major wrongdoing at Chabad House Patong

A provincial investigation into Chabad House Patong has found no irregularities in the financial transactions examined so far, while authorities continue to investigate building-use issues and imported products at the premises.

Phuket Vice Governor Romdon Hayiawae said on 28 September 2026 that officials had identified three main issues: the use of an area approved as parking for a restaurant or cafe, an unauthorised steel structure on the rooftop, and imported products that remain subject to inspection.

Authorities issued suspension orders over the two building-related issues and gave those responsible 30 days to comply. Provincial officials plan to inspect the property again on 10 October. Romdon said that if required demolition had not been completed by the deadline, the relevant authorities would proceed under the existing building permit.

The status of the ground-level area is disputed. Patcharee Channatho, a Thai national involved in operating Chabad House Patong, said the covered parking area had been legally built according to approved plans and that the issue was its subsequent use as a dining area. She said Chabad had applied to Patong Municipality to change the approved use to a restaurant and was awaiting approval.

Romdon said on 29 September that he had been informed by Patong Municipality that the parking extension was being demolished. Patcharee said it had not been demolished because the application to regularise its use had been submitted.

The rooftop issue appears to have been resolved separately. Romdon said the unauthorised steel structure on what authorities describe as the building’s sixth-floor rooftop had been dismantled. The building was originally permitted as a five-storey structure, according to the previous investigation.

The province has also coordinated with Customs over imported products at the premises. Chabad’s administrators were given seven days to submit import declarations so authorities can check whether products requiring permission were properly imported. The products must also comply with Food and Drug Administration requirements and Ministry of Commerce rules, including Thai-language labelling.

Romdon said the nominee investigation found that Chabad’s Phuket operations were registered through two businesses: the Kosher Thailand restaurant and Kan Chabad Co Ltd, whose registered head office is in Bangkok. Preliminary checks had found no irregularities in the financial routes examined, he said. He declined to comment on whether investigators had identified nominee shareholders, saying that issue remained under investigation.

Authorities are continuing to monitor activities at the centre. Romdon said officials had found no evidence of large gatherings or other behaviour presenting the security risks that had prompted concern. Immigration Police, security agencies and other relevant authorities will continue monitoring activities involving foreigners and checking personal records.