Thai Authorities Raid Israeli Businesses in Bangkok Amidst Investigation
Translated & summarized from Israel Hayom by baba
Thai authorities searched three Israeli-linked businesses in Bangkok on Thursday as part of an investigation into foreign business practices. The operation involved multiple government agencies and focused on locations including Chabad Lubavitch Foundation and Gan Chabad Co. Authorities found undocumented workers and numerous companies registered at a single address, prompting further examination of potential land acquisition and financial offenses. These searches are part of a broader crackdown on Israeli and Jewish community properties in Thailand.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Thai authorities searched three Israeli-linked businesses in Bangkok on Thursday as part of a foreign business investigation.
- Six government agencies, including the DSI and Anti-Money Laundering Office, participated in the operation.
- Undocumented workers were found at the Chabad Lubavitch Foundation and the Jewish Association of Thailand.
- Gan Chabad Co. had 61 companies registered at one address, raising questions about ownership and operations.
- Authorities will examine seized documents for potential offenses related to land acquisition and financial transactions.
- The searches are a continuation of a wider investigation into Israeli and Jewish community properties in Thailand.
Thai authorities conducted searches on Thursday at three locations linked to Israelis in Bangkok as part of an investigation into foreign business activities within the country. The operation involved six government bodies, including the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), the Revenue Department, and the Anti-Money Laundering Office. Searches were carried out at the Chabad Lubavitch Foundation in Bangkok, Gan Chabad Co. on the 17th floor of the ITF Tower, and the Jewish Association of Thailand on Sukhumvit Road. According to the Thai Ministry of Justice, three undocumented workers from Myanmar were found at the Chabad Foundation, and two from Laos were found at the Jewish Association.
At Gan Chabad Co., authorities discovered documents indicating the company operates restaurants and hotels. Additionally, records showed 61 companies registered at a single address, with evidence suggesting a group of foreign nationals who obtained Thai citizenship hold shares in numerous companies. Authorities have not yet determined if the company registrations or shareholdings constitute offenses.
Deputy Minister of Interior Polape Swanchai stated that the searches are a continuation of an investigation that began in Phuket and Chachoengsao. He noted that a small room registered as the Chabad Foundation's office was also listed as the office for five companies, raising questions about its true purpose. No documents related to the foundation's operations, finances, or work processes were found at the location.
Authorities announced they will examine the seized documents to determine if any offenses related to land acquisition, financial transactions, or business activities have occurred. The investigation is ongoing, and the searches and seized documents do not, at this stage, prove any wrongdoing.
These searches in Bangkok follow a series of checks by Thai authorities on Israeli and Jewish community institutions and properties in recent months. Previous investigations in Phuket examined a Chabad house for licensing, land ownership, and commercial activities, as well as potential shell companies used by foreigners to hold assets. A separate inquiry into a Jewish cemetery alleged it operated without a valid license.
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