Thai Protesters Rally Against Israeli Tourists, Land Grabs

Thousands of residents from Phuket and surrounding southern Thai provinces gathered on the island of Phuket on Saturday for a large protest under the slogan "Unite the Land, Reclaim Our Thailand." The demonstrators, including local leaders and tourism workers, specifically targeted the presence of Israeli tourists and the activities of the Chabad movement. They called on the Thai government to revoke Thai citizenship granted to Israeli nationals and to cancel all licenses for Chabad centers in the country.

Saichol Nuchit, a leader of the Phuket Land Protection Group, stated that the group formed because locals are no longer willing to tolerate the behavior of foreign visitors who break laws and disrespect local culture. He accused Israeli tourists of acting like a "state within a state" seeking to seize local land. Nuchit also mentioned the recent revocation of Rabbi Yosef's citizenship three days prior, alleging that Chabad institutions serve as hubs for illicit capital used to purchase land. However, regional authorities have previously found no evidence of illegal activities linked to Israelis or Chabad.

Another speaker at the rally highlighted concerns about foreigners' business activities and land use, expressing worry over the increase in direct flights from Tel Aviv to Phuket, rising from two to approximately five weekly. She urged for stricter visa exemption policies. Separately, a Patong employer named Ki accused foreigners of taking jobs, alleging this occurs with the complicity of bribed government officials.

This protest follows a demonstration in September outside a Chabad house in Patong. That event led to the cancellation of a Jewish New Year's feast, reportedly at the direction of Israeli security services, due to fears of potential violence.