Phuket Governor Orders Seven-Day Probe into Chabad Patong Operations

Phuket Governor Chotnirin Kerdsom has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the operations of Chabad Patong, giving relevant agencies seven days to report their findings.

The review will examine land ownership and use, building permits and construction approvals, as well as commercial licences connected to the organisation. Authorities will also examine shareholder records to determine whether there are links between Chabad Patong and a company involved in a proposed foreign cemetery project.

The investigation follows recent remarks by Deputy Interior Minister Polpree Suwanchawee concerning the cemetery project. According to his statement, the company behind the project was established by three Israeli nationals who also hold Thai citizenship and own the land in question. Authorities have raised the possibility of a connection between the company and Chabad Patong.

Phuket Deputy Governor Ruamdon Hayiawa, who serves as the provincial spokesperson, confirmed that the governor had instructed all relevant agencies to conduct a detailed review, including a comparison of shareholder information.

Officials stressed that the investigation will be carried out strictly under Thai law and that all individuals and organisations operating in the country are required to comply with the relevant regulations.

The province has said that the results of the investigation will be made public once the review is completed.

Authorities have also repeatedly stressed that the enforcement measures are not directed at any particular nationality or religious group. The stated purpose is to determine whether Thai laws and regulations governing land use, construction and commercial activities have been properly followed.

The governor’s directive is intended to clarify the legal status of Chabad Patong and any potentially associated entities while ensuring transparency in matters involving land and business activities in Phuket.