Thai Authorities Raid Jewish Institutions in Bangkok Amidst Business Probe
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Thai authorities raided three Jewish institutions in Bangkok, including Chabad centers, as part of an investigation into businesses allegedly linked to Israeli citizens and potential violations of foreign ownership laws. The operation involved multiple enforcement agencies examining financial and property dealings. Chabad representatives denied direct ties to the businesses, stating the raided location was an accountant's office. Several foreign nationals were found to be working or staying in Thailand illegally and face deportation.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Thai authorities raided three Jewish institutions in Bangkok, including Chabad centers, on Thursday.
- The raids are part of an investigation into businesses allegedly linked to Israeli citizens.
- Investigators are examining potential violations of Thailand's foreign ownership restrictions.
- Chabad representatives denied direct ties to the businesses under investigation.
- Several foreign nationals were found working or residing in Thailand illegally and face deportation.
Thai authorities conducted a large-scale raid on Thursday on three Jewish sites in Bangkok, including the Chabad Lubavitch Foundation, Gan Chabad, and the Jewish Community of Thailand. The operation was part of a broad investigation into what officials described as a "network of businesses and assets linked to Israeli citizens," in a country with restrictions on foreign ownership.
More than ten investigative and enforcement agencies participated, including the police, tax authority, immigration, anti-money laundering office, and land department. Investigators are examining the identities of ultimate beneficial owners, sources of funds, real estate transactions, company activities, and the status of Thai citizenship granted to some individuals involved.
The raids focused on Chabad-affiliated institutions. Among approximately 40 foreign workers, authorities identified three Myanmar nationals suspected of working without valid permits and overstaying their visas; they are expected to be deported. The Chabad emissary in Bangkok, Nehemia Wilhelm, stated that the site where documents were found was an accountant's office serving many companies, denying any direct link between Chabad and the businesses under investigation.
During a raid on the Jewish Community of Thailand in the Klong Toei district, two Laotian nationals were found to be allegedly working without permits. The investigation also extended to the construction site of "Beit Elisheva," Bangkok's oldest synagogue and a central hub for the city's long-standing Jewish community.
Authorities are reportedly investigating suspicions of Thai citizens being used as fronts for foreign ownership, given Thailand's regulations on foreign business ownership.
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