Thailand Investigates Chabad Center in Phuket Over Cemetery Project

Authorities in Thailand's Phuket province have launched a week-long investigation into the local Chabad center in Patong, focusing on a project to establish a Jewish cemetery. The probe was initiated following a directive from the Deputy Minister of Interior and is part of a broader government crackdown on the use of straw owners in foreign-linked companies.

Initial findings indicate that the company behind the cemetery project is owned by three Israeli nationals who also hold Thai citizenship. These individuals own the land designated for the cemetery. Authorities are now examining whether there is a direct link between these owners and the Chabad center itself, while also scrutinizing the legitimacy of the land transactions and business permits.

The investigation is occurring within the context of a wider enforcement campaign in Thailand targeting foreign-owned businesses suspected of using nominee shareholders. Out of over 32,000 registered corporations in Phuket, nearly 35% have foreign shareholders. The campaign has so far reviewed 6,682 companies suspected of fictitious ownership, with legal action planned against 196 of them. This enforcement drive has already led to a significant drop of over 60% in new registrations of foreign-involved companies.