Thai Authorities Raid Another Chabad House, Investigate Israeli Imports

Thai authorities in Krabi province raided a Chabad house and a kosher restaurant in Ao Nang, southern Thailand, on Thursday, citing suspicions of "nominee" business practices and unlicensed religious activity. The operation, led by the Krabi governor and police chief, involved inspecting a four-story commercial building leased by a fully Thai-registered company.

During the inspection, officials discovered food and beverage products imported from Israel, some routed through the Chabad center in Bangkok. Customs documents for these items were reportedly missing, and the products were seized for further examination. The restaurant, managed by a local citizen, primarily served tourists.

Investigators also found a space within the building used for prayer services for approximately 20-25 people, with reports from staff indicating that Israeli citizens regularly gathered there for Shabbat and Friday services, led by an Israeli man named Shimon. Signs soliciting donations were also present in the restaurant.

The governor stated the inspection is part of a broader policy to combat "nominee" businesses, where foreign involvement is concealed by Thai shareholders, and to investigate potential violations of Thai law. The probe focuses on the company's ownership structure, business operations, legal compliance, and issues related to foreign ownership or land acquisition.

While acknowledging that Jewish religious activities are permitted in Thailand as long as they do not harm national security or public order, authorities are also examining a bank transfer of 600,000 baht (approximately $5,500) made by the restaurant manager to an individual named Sugrove. The investigation is in its early stages, and no offenses have yet been determined. Notably, a previous inspection of a Chabad house in Phuket found no financial irregularities.