Thai Authorities Raid Chabad Center in Krabi Amid Rising Anti-Israel Sentiment

Thai law enforcement conducted a search of a Chabad center in Krabi province on the Andaman Sea coast, marking the second such incident in recent weeks. The operation, which involved the provincial governor and police commissioner along with several government agencies, focused on suspicions of illegal business activities conducted through nominees and religious events held without proper permits. Authorities paid particular attention to a kosher restaurant operating within the Chabad-rented building. The restaurant, registered to a Thai national, was allegedly functioning as a public eatery. During the search, Israeli products and other goods were found, reportedly brought from the Chabad center in Bangkok without customs documentation, and were seized for further examination. Additionally, a prayer space for approximately 20-25 people was discovered, where local staff stated groups of Israelis gather on Fridays and Saturdays for meals and prayers. A Thai-based Israeli citizen named Shimon is reportedly organizing these gatherings. Officials also noted announcements for donations and cramped spaces suspected of being used as storage. Following the raid, the governor declared a zero-tolerance policy for foreign businesses operating with Thai nominees, while affirming that Judaism can be practiced provided it poses no security threat. The police are also investigating the restaurant's financial activities. Authorities emphasize that the investigation is in its early stages and the suspicions have not yet been confirmed. This escalation follows previous tensions related to incidents involving Israeli tourists and business checks, which have now reached the diplomatic level.