Thailand Probes Israeli National’s Thai Citizenship and Phuket Business Links

Thailand’s Ministry of Interior has launched an investigation into the Thai citizenship of an Israeli national in Phuket, as well as a business reportedly connected to him, following questions over whether his citizenship was obtained legally.

The investigation follows a report published by Phuket Times on August 9 claiming that the Israeli national had acquired Thai citizenship and a Thai identity card and was involved in businesses in Phuket that reportedly generated more than 5 billion baht in revenue.

The report described the man as a prominent businessman and alleged spiritual and religious figure. It also claimed that his Thai citizenship had facilitated his business activities on the island. The report linked him to the founder of a Chabad centre in Phuket and raised questions about access to the premises, alleging that Thai residents and officials had been prevented from entering.

The report also highlighted concerns raised by some local residents about the growing presence of Israeli nationals in Patong, particularly around Rat Uthit 200 Years Road. According to the report, the area is home to a number of businesses catering primarily to Israeli visitors and residents, including kosher restaurants, hotels, convenience stores, laundries, barbershops, gyms, car rental companies and travel agencies.

A Chabad centre serving Israeli nationals is also located in the area and hosts religious ceremonies. Phuket Times reported that access to the premises was restricted to Israeli nationals, prompting some local residents to question the activities taking place there.

The allegations triggered discussion on Thai social media, with some Phuket residents calling for authorities to examine how the businessman obtained Thai citizenship and whether foreign-linked businesses in Patong were operating in compliance with Thai law.

Deputy Interior Minister Polapee Suwanchawee subsequently addressed the issue. He said the Israeli national named in the report had obtained Thai citizenship approximately 10 years ago.

According to Polapee, the man had submitted documents at the time, and officials determined that he met the requirements for Thai nationality. However, the Interior Ministry will now review the case to establish whether the citizenship was obtained through a lawful process.

The deputy minister also confirmed that more than one Israeli national holds Thai citizenship, although he did not disclose further details. He urged the public to remain calm while officials examine the allegations.

Polapee disputed part of the original report, saying the Israeli businessman should not be described as a religious leader. He said the man owns the property where the Chabad centre was established.

The deputy minister said the property was registered as a business and that the company is suspected of operating through a nominee arrangement. As a result, the Interior Ministry will investigate the business alongside the citizenship case.

Thai authorities stressed that anyone found to have violated the law could face legal action regardless of nationality.

The investigation will focus on two main questions: whether the Israeli national acquired Thai citizenship lawfully and whether the business reportedly linked to him complies with Thailand’s rules governing foreign business ownership and nominee arrangements.