Phuket Governor Inspects Chabad House in Patong, Verifying Legal Compliance and Community Impact

Phuket Governor Chotnarin Kedsom led an on-site inspection of Chabad House in Patong, Kathu District, on September 15th, 2026, accompanied by relevant provincial agencies. The visit aimed to verify the premises' usage, the nature of activities conducted, and compliance with legal requirements, while also assessing potential impacts on public order and community safety. The inspection followed earlier directives to review all aspects of Chabad House operations, including land acquisition and usage, building permits, business licensing, and the involvement of individuals or legal entities. Authorities expressed the need for a comprehensive fact-finding process to ensure decisions are based on complete and accurate information. Governor Chotnarin stated that the purpose of the visit was to establish a clear understanding of how the facility is being used and whether its activities fall within the scope of legal authorization. He stressed that the province must evaluate every dimension, including land use, construction, activities, and community impact, particularly issues of safety and public order. "Everything must comply with the law and be appropriate for the area," the governor remarked, underscoring Phuket’s responsibility to balance community well-being with its role as a global tourism destination. Chabad Houses worldwide typically serve as centers for Jewish religious practice, prayer, study, and observance of holidays. However, the governor noted that each activity must be assessed according to local regulations and the specific context of Phuket. The inspection team included Rear Admiral Praphan Srisuwipa, Deputy Director of Internal Security Operations Command in Phuket; Waranit Aphiratjirawong, Phuket Provincial Commerce Officer; Lalita Maneesri, Mayor of Patong Municipality; and representatives from the Damrongtham Center, provincial labor office, and other agencies. Each unit was tasked with gathering information within its jurisdiction. Phuket authorities confirmed that they will expedite coordination with all relevant agencies to review documentation and evidence thoroughly before determining appropriate measures. The guiding principles will remain legality, public safety, community harmony, and the best interests of local residents. Local officials in Phuket coordinated a multi-agency operation yesterday afternoon to ensure public safety during a protest against the planned Jewish New Year festival organized by Chabad Patong. A local activist group, Protect Phuket Land, has formally petitioned provincial authorities to reconsider the upcoming Jewish New Year festival, Rosh Hashana, scheduled for September 11th, 2026. Phuket authorities have requested organizers of the upcoming Rosh Hashanah event in Patong to reassess the event due to concerns regarding public safety, the community, and tourism. The Chabad Patong community has confirmed plans to proceed with its Rosh Hashana (Jewish New Year) celebration on September 11, despite mounting opposition from local activist groups. Organizers agreed to scale back the event’s scope and duration following tense negotiations with provincial authorities. The atmosphere outside Chabad Patong grew increasingly active this afternoon as Jewish and Israeli visitors began arriving for a religious ceremony scheduled to start at 4:00 p.m. Local police placed traffic cones along the opposite side of the street to prevent vehicles from parking in the area, though no visible security deployment has yet been observed around the venue. Tensions are rising in Phuket ahead of a Jewish New Year celebration organized by the Chabad community in Patong, as local activist groups vow to protest while authorities scramble to ensure safety. The Governor of Phuket has directed a comprehensive investigation into the operations of Chabad Patong, with a strict deadline of seven days to deliver findings.