ByMEITAL SHARABI

The cancellation of Rosh Hashanah celebrations on the beach, a raid on the Chabad House, and now a broad enforcement operation targeting hundreds of businesses in Phuket. The latest series of steps by Thai authorities is raising questions among the local Israeli community and tourists visiting the island, even as the government emphasizes that enforcement is not aimed at Israelis, but rather at violations of the law.

Thai authorities announced the expansion of the enforcement operation against businesses in Phuket, under which more than 360 businesses across the island are expected to be inspected, including hotels, luxury villas, restaurants, and tourism companies. The decision was made following an inspection at the Chabad House in Patong, during which a confrontation occurred between enforcement officials and an individual who was present at the scene.

According to reports in Thai media, during the inspection, a person approached the enforcement team and asked: "Don't you know this is Israeli territory?" Thailand's Deputy Interior Minister responded that "this is Thailand, and anyone on Thai soil must obey the laws of the country."

During the inspection at the Chabad House, authorities checked the business license, the use of the building, the legality of fundraising activities, and the property's ownership structure. According to the reports, the building is registered as a business licensed to operate as a restaurant and club, where prayer, hospitality, and clergy housing areas also operate.

Use of "strawmen"?

During the tour, donation boxes were also found at the site. The site managers explained that the funds are intended for charitable activities, but authorities announced they will examine whether the collection of donations is being carried out in accordance with Thai law. At the same time, an investigation was opened to examine the ownership of the land and whether "strawmen" were used to conceal foreign ownership, or if additional offenses were committed.

Following the incident, the Thai Interior Ministry announced the expansion of the enforcement operation to more than 360 businesses considered high risk. Among other things, the inspections will focus on hotels, restaurants, rental villas, and tourism companies, alongside businesses suspected of concealing foreign ownership through illegal ownership structures.

Authorities stressed that the enforcement operation is not directed against Israelis or religious activity, but is intended to ensure that all businesses and entities operating in the country comply with legal requirements. It was further noted that the Constitution of Thailand guarantees freedom of worship, as long as the activity is conducted in accordance with the law and does not harm public order.

Not targeting religious activity?

The raid adds to tensions surrounding the Israeli community's activities in Phuket last year as well, when local authorities canceled a Rosh Hashanah event planned to take place on Patong Beach after it was not granted a permit. Background to the cancellation also included opposition from local organizations, which claimed that holding the event in a public space could stir tension.

Despite this, the Thai Interior Ministry repeatedly emphasizes that the current wave of inspections focuses on enforcing licensing, ownership, and commercial laws, and is not directed against the religious activities of Chabad Houses or the Jewish community in the country.