UPDATE: Rosh Hashanah celebration at Chabad Patong to proceed despite opposition

Chabad Patong has confirmed that a Jewish New Year, or Rosh Hashanah, celebration at Chabad House Patong in Phuket will go ahead on Friday, 11 September 2026, despite opposition and calls for its cancellation over fears of possible violence.

The confirmation followed a petition from the Protect Phuket Land Group seeking to stop the event at Chabad House Patong and a hotel in the area. Phuket deputy governor Pol Capt Khetrat Chansilp chaired a meeting with relevant agencies and representatives from Chabad Patong on 9 September. Participants raised concerns about security and the potential effect on Phuket's tourism image, and asked the organiser to reconsider.

The organiser said cancelling at this stage would cause significant losses to Chabad Patong and, in its view, damage Phuket's reputation as an international tourism destination. It said the celebration is held annually around the world, while tickets had already been sold and preparations completed.

To make security easier to manage, the organiser said the event would be scaled back. It will now be held only at Chabad Patong rather than split between Chabad and a hotel, attendance will be capped at 800 people instead of the original plan for around 1,000, and it will end at 9pm rather than midnight. The original schedule was from 4pm to midnight.

Authorities said Patong is one of Phuket's key tourist areas, drawing visitors from around the world. They said the gathering involves a large group and religious ceremonies and therefore requires a security-risk assessment.

They warned that a potential incident involving a third party could affect residents and tourists, damage confidence in Phuket and Thailand as tourist destinations, and harm the island's reputation. Authorities also said an unexpected incident could be rapidly amplified through social media.

Pol Capt Khetrat said the province was not seeking to oppose gatherings or discriminate against any particular group. Its priority was public order and the safety of residents and tourists, while taking the views of all parties into account.

“All activities must comply with the same laws and standards, with everyone treated equally,” he said.

Police said the deployment of officers would depend on the situation and involve standard security measures, rather than providing disproportionate protection to either side. Officers would focus on preventing incidents and safeguarding the public.