Thai Prime Minister Criticizes Foreigners, Cites Jewish Cemetery Evacuation

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on Thursday issued strong criticism of foreigners engaging in improper conduct in Thailand, following a series of scandals involving illegal activities and land ownership, including a cemetery. He stated that these actions have "gone too far" in violating Thai law and local hospitality.

"This crosses our acceptable boundaries," Charnvirakul told officials. "We have been generous in allowing them to come here. If they come, they must earn a living with dignity. But when they die, they must return and be buried in their own countries. They cannot come here and exploit us."

The Prime Minister's remarks came after four bodies were removed from a Jewish cemetery near Bangkok earlier this week. The cemetery, legally purchased by the local Jewish community, was relocated to a new burial plot after Thai authorities ordered its evacuation. This action was prompted by suspicions that the cemetery had continued operating with an expired permit.

"If they wish to use our existing facilities, we have no problem with that, whether it's a church, a temple, a crematorium, or an existing cemetery. We have no objection to that," Charnvirakul said. "But they cannot come here, take our land, and then bury their dead here. This is unacceptable."

Recently, protests against the significant presence of Israelis in Thailand, particularly on southern islands, have emerged, demanding respect for local laws and culture. Concurrently, Thai authorities have launched a crackdown on shell companies using Thai citizens as nominal owners and have shortened tourist visa durations from 60 to 30 days.

Authorities have also opened an investigation into Chabad Patong, associated with the Jewish cemetery project. Initial checks revealed that the company behind it is owned by three Israelis who also hold Thai citizenship and possess the land designated for the project.