Full Breakdown
Thai Authorities Raid Bangkok Jewish Institutions Over Foreign-Ownership Probe
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Raids Target Chabad and Jewish Association Sites
On a Thursday, Thailand’s Special Investigation Department (DSI) coordinated raids on three Jewish institutions in Bangkok: the Chabad Bangkok Foundation, a Chabad-run kindergarten in Bang Rak, and the Jewish Association of Thailand in Khlong Toei. A fourth location, the construction site of Beth Elisheva synagogue, was also searched. More than ten investigative and law-enforcement agencies participated, including the police, Revenue Department, Immigration Bureau, Anti-Money-Laundering Office, and Lands Department.
Scope of the Investigation
Investigators examined the identities of individuals controlling the businesses, ultimate beneficiaries, funding sources, real-estate transactions, company operations, and instances of Thai citizenship granted to involved parties. The department reported that over 61 companies share the same address, with some listing identical directors or shareholders.
Official Responses
Rabbi Nechemya Wilhelm, the Chabad emissary in Bangkok, said his staff fully cooperated and that the investigation had not disrupted activities. The DSI clarified that the statement did not accuse the religious institutions themselves of financing or property-ownership offenses and noted that no Israeli nationals were arrested. Earlier, the DSI had announced a separate case in Chonburi province involving the company Cozy Beach View, where an Israeli director and a Thai shareholder were summoned for alleged violations of the Foreign Business Act.
Data Summary
- Approximately 40 foreign workers were present at the sites; three Myanmar nationals and two Laotian nationals were found working without valid permits and are slated for deportation.
- More than ten agencies took part in the raids.
- Over 61 companies were registered at the same address, according to the DSI.
Verbatim Quotes
- “They have every right to inspect, and we will be happy for them to check whatever needs to be checked,” — Rabbi Nechemya Wilhelm