Mass Protests Erupt in Thailand Against Israeli Tourists and Chabad
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS by baba
Thousands of Thai residents protested in Phuket on Saturday against Israeli tourists and Chabad activities, demanding the revocation of Israeli citizens' Thai citizenship and Chabad's operating licenses. Protesters accused Israelis of appropriating land and disrespecting local culture, while also calling for stricter visa policies due to increased direct flights from Tel Aviv. The demonstrations are part of ongoing tensions, including a previous protest that led to the cancellation of a Rosh Hashanah meal.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Thousands of Thai residents protested in Phuket against Israeli tourists and Chabad.
- Protesters demanded revocation of Israeli citizens' Thai citizenship and Chabad licenses.
- Demonstrators accused Israeli tourists of appropriating land and disrespecting local culture.
- Concerns were raised about increased direct flights from Tel Aviv to Phuket.
- The protest follows a September demonstration that led to a cancelled Rosh Hashanah meal.
Thousands of residents from Phuket and surrounding provinces in southern Thailand gathered for a large protest on Saturday, under the banner "Unite the Land, Restore Our Thailand." The demonstrators, including local leaders and tourism operators, specifically targeted the presence of Israeli tourists and the activities of Chabad.
Protesters called on the Thai government to revoke Thai citizenship previously granted to Israelis and to cancel all operating licenses for Chabad centers in the country. Saichol Noochit, a leader of the "Phuket Land Protection Group," stated in a speech that the movement was formed because locals are unwilling to tolerate the behavior of foreign visitors who disrespect Thai law and culture. He accused Israeli tourists of acting like a "state within a state" seeking to appropriate local land.
Noochit also referenced the recent revocation of citizenship for Rabbi Yosef, claiming Chabad institutions are hubs for illicit capital used to acquire land. However, provincial authorities have reportedly found no evidence of illegal activities by businesses linked to Israelis or Chabad in the past. Another speaker highlighted concerns about the business activities and land use by foreigners, noting a significant increase in direct flights from Tel Aviv to Phuket, from two to five weekly flights. This speaker also urged for stricter visa exemption policies.
Separately, a business owner in Patong accused foreigners of taking jobs, alleging this occurs with the complicity of bribed government officials. This current protest follows a demonstration in September outside a Chabad center in Patong, which led to the cancellation of a mass Rosh Hashanah meal due to security concerns from Israeli authorities fearing violence.
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