Full Breakdown
Phuket Chabad House Cancels Rosh Hashanah Dinner Amid Anti-Israel Protests
By Drooid · · How we work
Event Overview
On the evening of September 11, 2026, the Chabad House in Phuket announced the cancellation of a mass Rosh Hashanah dinner that had been scheduled for that Friday. The cancellation notice, sent to registered guests, cited a request from Israeli security officials who warned that the nearby protest could become violent. The event, originally planned for up to 1,000 participants at the Chabad House and a nearby hotel, had already been reduced to 800 guests before being called off entirely.
Background & Context
The protest was organized by a local group called “Save Phuket,” which had earlier petitioned Thai authorities to block the gathering on security grounds. Thai officials rejected the petition, allowing the dinner to proceed. A separate incident in June 2025 saw a demonstrator in Bangkok brandish a Palestinian flag while shouting “Ceasefire Now,” illustrating a broader pattern of pro-Palestinian activism in Thailand.
Timeline
- June 15, 2025 – Demonstration in Bangkok with Palestinian-flag-waving protester.
- Early September 2026 – “Save Phuket” protests begin, demanding the cancellation of the Chabad event.
- September 11, 2026 – Approximately 500 protesters march from Patong Beach to the Chabad House; the dinner is cancelled following the Israeli security request.
Data & Statistics
- Planned attendance: 1,000 guests (initial plan).
- Revised attendance before cancellation: 800 guests.
- Protest size: more than 500 participants according to Thai media; some reports cite 500 exactly.
- Israeli tourists contributed roughly $1.2 billion to Thailand’s $48 billion tourism revenue last year.
Official Statements & Responses
- Israeli security officials, unnamed in the reports, issued the request that prompted the cancellation.
- Yehuda Kaploun, U.S. Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism, expressed concern about the rising antisemitic rhetoric in Thailand “I am deeply concerned by rising antisemitic rhetoric in Thailand,” — Yehuda Kaploun.
- Khetrat Chansilp, Phuket Deputy Governor, warned that canceling the dinner could damage Phuket’s image and cause financial losses.
- Rami Teplitskiy, Israeli Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission, pledged that the embassy will continue working to foster sustainable friendship and ensure mutual respect for all visitors.
- Alona Fisher-Kamm, Israel’s ambassador to Thailand, met with Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Thailand’s Foreign Minister, to discuss de-escalation; the minister reiterated that Thailand “cannot stand idly by” if tourists act detrimentally toward Thai people.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact size of the protest, with some describing it as “more than 500” participants and others stating “500” demonstrators. No reports confirmed any violent incidents, but the potential for violence was cited as the reason for the cancellation. Details about the specific Israeli security officials who made the request remain undisclosed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I am deeply concerned by rising antisemitic rhetoric in Thailand,” — Yehuda Kaploun