Thai PM Tells Jews to 'Go Die at Home' Amid Cemetery Dispute
Translated & summarized from Cursorinfo by baba
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul told Jewish individuals to "go die at home" amid a dispute over a cemetery relocation and permit issues. The government is also intensifying checks on foreigners and accelerating deportations for lawbreakers, particularly in tourist areas.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Thai PM told Jewish community to 'go die at home' amid cemetery dispute.
- Four graves were relocated from a Jewish cemetery near Bangkok.
- Authorities are increasing checks on foreigners and speeding up deportations.
- The PM cited violations of Thai law and cultural norms by foreigners.
- Phuket and Surat Thani are targeted for stricter enforcement.
Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul issued a stern warning to foreigners, particularly addressing the Jewish community, stating they should "go die at home" if they intend to establish their own cemeteries in the kingdom. The remarks, made on Thursday, September 17, at the Ministry of Interior in Bangkok, came in the wake of a controversy involving the relocation of four graves from a Jewish cemetery near Bangkok. The prime minister's comments, reported by Channel 14, were made during a discussion about combating violations by foreigners, with a specific focus on religious sites and private cemeteries.
The incident prompting the strong statement involved the Jewish community and the Chabad movement, who had acquired a cemetery plot in Chachoengsao province about five years prior. However, local authorities demanded the land be vacated, leading to the relocation of four graves. The cemetery's burial permits had reportedly not been renewed.
Simultaneously, a separate issue arose concerning a Chabad center in Phuket, where the governor ordered an inspection. This followed the last-minute cancellation of a Rosh Hashanah dinner expected to host around two thousand Israelis.
Prime Minister Charnvirakul emphasized that the establishment of religious facilities must comply with Thai laws and cultural norms. He also criticized the practice of registering premises as restaurants while using them as religious sites. He instructed provincial governors to take stricter action against foreigners violating laws, working without permits, using Thai citizens as fronts for businesses, or engaging in illegal activities.
Specific attention is to be paid to Phuket and Surat Thani, popular tourist destinations. Charnvirakul mandated swift deportation procedures for foreigners eligible for expulsion, even if the state must cover the cost of their return flights. He clarified that these measures are not exclusively targeting Israelis or Jews, noting that violations occur among citizens of various nationalities, and Thailand continues to welcome law-abiding tourists and investors.
