Erev Yom Kippur: Thai Authorities Raid Chabad House in Phuket
Tensions surrounding Chabad’s activities in Thailand continue to escalate: Just hours before the onset of Yom Kippur, representatives of several Thai government agencies arrived at the Chabad House in Patong, Phuket, conducting an extensive inspection of the premises • Read More, Photos
Tensions surrounding Chabad’s activities in Thailand continue to escalate: Just hours before the onset of Yom Kippur, representatives of several Thai government agencies arrived at the Chabad House in Patong, Phuket, conducting an extensive inspection of the premises.
The operation involved officials from Customs, the Office of the Consumer Protection Board, the Phuket Provincial Public Health Office, the Provincial Commercial Office, the Provincial Land Office, police, administrative authorities, and local government agencies.
As part of the inspection, merchandise from the Chabad House’s shop and sales areas was seized. Local reports said the goods were temporarily taken for examination of their import documentation and product labeling, including compliance with Thai-language labeling requirements.
The incident comes amid weeks of mounting tension surrounding the activities of Chabad of Phuket, led by the Rebbe’s Shliach, Rabbi Sholom Glitzenstein. Just days earlier, the Phuket governor ordered a comprehensive seven-day investigation into the operation, including an examination of properties, buildings, businesses, and companies connected to the Chabad House.
The tension was already evident ahead of Rosh Hashanah, when hundreds of demonstrators marched through the streets of Patong toward the Chabad House. Following the pressure and restrictions placed on the activities, the large Rosh Hashanah events originally planned at the Chabad House were scaled back, while the main event scheduled at a nearby hotel was ultimately canceled.
Despite the developments, the Chabad House continues its activities on behalf of local Jews and the many Israeli and Jewish travelers visiting the area. The Shluchim continue to stand at the forefront of Jewish life in Phuket.
The latest developments have raised concern among the Jewish community and those involved in supporting Chabad’s activities in Thailand, particularly amid the growing number of inspections and pressures facing Jewish institutions in the country.
Chabad of Phuket is operated by Rabbi Sholom and Mrs. Tami Glitzenstein and serves as a Jewish center for visitors and the local community, offering a Shul, kosher restaurants, a kosher grocery, and other Jewish services.
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