Chabad House Phuket Financial Checks Find No Irregularities

An investigation into Chabad House Phuket in Patong has so far found no irregularities in the financial transactions examined, while authorities continue to review possible nominee shareholding, imported products and building-use issues at the premises.

The investigation is part of a wider examination of the centre’s business structure, permits and activities. Phuket authorities were previously instructed to look into the property following concerns related to building use, foreign business operations and possible nominee arrangements.

Phuket Vice Governor Romdon Hayiawae said on September 28 that investigators were focusing on three main issues: a section approved for parking that was being used as a restaurant or cafe, an unauthorised steel structure on the rooftop and imported products found at the premises.

Patong Municipality issued suspension orders concerning the two building-related matters and gave those responsible 30 days to comply. Provincial officials are scheduled to inspect the property again on October 10.

Romdon said the steel structure, which had been installed on what officials describe as the building’s sixth-floor rooftop, has already been dismantled.

The situation involving the ground-floor dining area remains unresolved. Romdon told The Phuket News that Patong Municipality had informed him that demolition of the parking extension was underway.

However, Patcharee Channatho, a Thai national involved in operating Chabad House Phuket, said the covered parking structure itself had been constructed according to approved plans. According to her, the issue arose because the space was later converted for use as a dining area.

Patcharee said Chabad had submitted documents to Patong Municipality requesting permission to change the designated use of the space from parking to a restaurant and was still awaiting a decision. She said the area had therefore not been demolished.

Imported products remain under review

Authorities are separately examining imported products found at the premises. Chabad administrators have been given seven days to provide import declarations so that Customs officials can determine whether any goods requiring approval were properly imported into Thailand.

The products are also being checked for compliance with Food and Drug Administration and Ministry of Commerce requirements, including Thai-language labelling.

Patcharee said Customs had not yet informed Chabad which specific violations, if any, had been identified.

On the business side, Romdon said the Phuket operation was linked to Kosher Thailand, a restaurant business, and Gan Chabad Co. Ltd., which has its registered headquarters in Bangkok.

Preliminary checks of the financial transactions examined so far found no irregularities. However, Romdon declined to comment on whether investigators had identified any nominee shareholders, saying that part of the investigation was still underway.

Officials are also continuing to monitor activities at the centre. Romdon said investigators had found no evidence of large gatherings or other activities matching earlier security concerns. Immigration Police and other agencies will nevertheless continue monitoring activities involving foreign nationals.

The next major stage of the investigation is scheduled for October 10, when provincial officials are expected to return to the property and assess compliance with the building-related orders.