Thai Authorities Move Jewish Graves After Cemetery License Not Renewed

Four Jewish graves were relocated from a new cemetery near Bangkok, Thailand, after local authorities refused to renew its operating license. The Jewish community in Thailand had purchased land for the cemetery in Chachoengsao province in 2021 and obtained the necessary permits, but the license, valid for three years, was not renewed in 2024. The community appealed the decision in court, but the case is pending.

In the interim, the community was required to vacate the graves. The relocation was carried out with the assistance of ZAKA, an Israeli emergency response organization, adhering to Jewish burial laws and respecting the deceased. The graves were moved to an existing cemetery where the Jewish community had already purchased plots designated for Jewish burials.

For approximately thirty years, a Jewish cemetery has operated in Bangkok, serving the local community. As this cemetery neared capacity, the community acquired the larger plot in Chachoengsao to serve as a future burial site. Four individuals were buried in the new location during its three years of operation.

Rabbi Yosef Chaim Kantor, the chief rabbi of Thailand, stated that the community acted lawfully, acquiring the land and commencing operations only after receiving all required approvals. He noted that the issue of the cemetery has resurfaced amid increased scrutiny of Israelis in Thailand. "The place was purchased legally, operations began only after receiving the necessary permits and license, and when the renewal request was not approved, we turned to the accepted legal channels," he said.

Rabbi Kantor expressed hope that tensions will subside, allowing the community to continue living and operating in Thailand with mutual respect and good relations with the Thai people and authorities.