Thai Activists Protest Outside Phuket Chabad House Ahead of Larger Rally

Thai activists gathered outside Chabad House in Patong, Phuket, on Saturday morning, October 31, ahead of a separate rally scheduled later in Phuket Town. The demonstration targeted the Jewish religious center used by Israeli visitors. Police were present to provide security while participants read a statement. The gathering included members of the Network of Students and People for Reform of Thailand, known as KPT, and the Phuket Land Protection Group. Pichit Chaimongkol and Saichol Nuchet were among the named participants, alongside representatives of approximately 20 organizations. The activists opposed Chabad's presence and demanded greater scrutiny of foreign businesses. Their sweeping allegations against the Jewish community have not been substantiated. Approximately 60 Israelis had entered the center earlier that morning for kosher food and religious observance. The gathering outside took place on Shabbat, when the center was serving those visitors. A larger event, advertised as “Take Back Our Country,” was scheduled for Saphan Hin in Phuket Town from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thai time. Sondhi Limthongkul, a former leading figure in the People's Alliance for Democracy, was among the advertised speakers.