Sondhi pledges B100,000 for fuel for caravan protest after Phuket rally

Sondhi Limthongkul has pledged B100,000 in fuel support for a truck caravan planning to travel to Government House on 5 November, following a political rally in Phuket on 31 October.

Speaking at the “Take Back Our Thailand” rally at Laem Saphan Hin, Sondhi criticised the government over the alleged operation of illegal businesses by foreigners and rising fuel prices, which he said were adding to people’s cost of living.

The fuel support is intended for the caravan of Mano Kherueakaew, the kamnan, or subdistrict head, of Krabi Noi in Krabi province. The group plans to bring trucks to the Government House gathering to press the government to address household financial pressures and the cost of living.

Sondhi also called on people across Thailand who oppose the current government’s administration, including those affected by its policies, to join the caravan.

The Protect Phuket’s Land group also used the rally to call for stricter action against foreign capital and businesses it alleges are operating unlawfully. The group said such activity had affected local businesses and residents, particularly Phuket’s tourism sector.

The group specifically raised concerns about a Chabad House operated by Israelis and identified Joseph as the president of Chabad in Thailand. It said Joseph had been investigated and had his Thai citizenship revoked in a case it linked to national security, and called for the cancellation of Chabad Houses nationwide. Those claims were made by the group at the rally.

The group had previously protested on 11 September against an Israeli New Year event at a Chabad House in Patong, citing national security concerns and alleged disruption caused by some foreigners and illegal businesses.