Thai Authorities Investigate Jewish Community and Chabad Over Business Dealings

Thai law enforcement agencies raided three sites belonging to the Jewish community and Chabad House in Bangkok on Thursday as part of a broad investigation into a network of businesses and properties linked to Israeli citizens. The sites searched included the Chabad Foundation, Gan Chabad, and the offices of the Association of Thai Jews, as well as the construction site for the "Beit Elisheva" synagogue. The investigation, involving over ten enforcement bodies including the police, tax authority, and the anti-money laundering authority, focuses on suspicions of using Thai citizens as "straw men" to circumvent foreign ownership restrictions on businesses and real estate. Documents related to land purchases, donations, and company activities were seized from offices in the Bang Rak district, where authorities noted over 61 companies were registered at the same address. Five foreign workers from Myanmar and Laos were found at the inspected premises without valid work permits and are expected to be deported.

Chabad emissary in Bangkok, Rabbi Nechemia Wilhelm, stated that his staff fully cooperated with the inspection and have nothing to hide. Regarding the 61 companies registered at the same address, the Rabbi explained it is an accounting firm providing services to many companies and has no connection to Chabad. He emphasized that activities at the institutions continue as usual, stating, "We operate solely according to Thai law, for the benefit of travelers and Jews, and are engaged in charity and kindness." The authorities' statement did not claim that the religious institutions themselves committed financial or real estate offenses, nor were any Israelis reported arrested during the operation. Thai officials clarified that while the country welcomes foreign investment, it will act forcefully against circumvention of the foreign business law.