Following an order by Phuket’s governor for a comprehensive review of the activities of Chabad in Patong, Rabbi Nechemia Wilhelm, a Chabad emissary in Thailand, said Wednesday that authorities in the country have recently stepped up scrutiny of activities involving foreigners to ensure they comply with the law. According to Wilhelm, that broader effort also includes matters relating to the Jewish community and Chabad houses.
Phuket Governor Chotnarin Kerdsom on Tuesday ordered a comprehensive investigation into the activities of Chabad Patong after questions were raised over land ownership, permitted land use, construction approvals and commercial licenses connected to the compound. Authorities were given seven days to submit their findings.
The Chabad house was also the site of a Rosh Hashanah dinner planned for 2,000 Israeli travelers that was canceled at the last minute on Friday after a pro-Palestinian demonstration was held in the area for several hours.
“At the moment it is in Phuket, but it could certainly happen in other places as well,” Wilhelm said. “We are cooperating fully with the authorities and, as we have done for 30 years, we make sure to operate in accordance with Thai law.”
Wilhelm sought to distinguish between the official actions of Thai authorities and private groups that he said have recently been promoting hostile rhetoric against Israelis, Jews and Chabad houses on social media and at demonstrations. “In our view, those groups do not represent the Thai people or the Kingdom of Thailand,” he said.
Thai authorities stressed that the process is currently limited to an examination of documents and corporate connections and does not constitute a finding that any offense has been committed. Officials also said the review is not directed against any particular nationality, religion or community, but is intended to ensure that the organization’s activities and land holdings comply with Thai law.
Rabbi Nechemia Wilhelm
(Photo: Mendi Nabul)
Responding to the initial reports Tuesday, Wilhelm said: “We have been in Thailand for 30 years, and throughout those years we have personally experienced the special hospitality of the Thai people, the mutual respect and the peaceful coexistence here between people of all religions and nationalities. We have always felt that we and our activities were respected, and we have tremendous appreciation for the Thai people and the kingdom’s authorities.”
He added: “Our Chabad houses are completely legal in every respect. We are very careful to obey the country’s laws, respect the local authorities and the citizens of Thailand, and therefore we have full confidence that the matters now being examined will be reviewed professionally and will show that everything is in order.”