Authorities investigate alleged Israeli land purchases in Thailand
Thailand’s deputy interior minister announced on Tuesday (22 Sept) that he has ordered a probe into Israeli-linked land purchases in the south of the country.
This is after several members of parliament approached him with claims that an Israeli network had purchased land across three southern border provinces.
Notably, one purchase in Pattani province is reportedly valued at 100 million baht (THB), or around S$3.8 million.
This new Israeli-linked controversy comes after a case where a Chabad — a Jewish community centre — barred locals from entering and a high-profile case related to an unlicensed Jewish cemetery.
New Chabad houses spark probe
Deputy Interior Minister Phonphir Suwannachawi also highlighted the reports of new Chabad houses being built in southern Thailand.
He called for investigations to establish who owns these properties, their intended use for the land, as well as their source of funding.
Source: Naewna
He said he is coordinating with relevant authorities to check the land ownership, construction permits, and source of funding for these projects.
The deputy minister particularly questioned the funding for these projects, which he said were not intended to generate income.
“If they are investing 20 million baht or 100 million baht, I want to know where the money comes from,” Mr Phonphir stressed.
He also worried that the properties may lead to religious or cultural tension if they were used for certain activities.
Permit irregularities found in Phuket Chabad
Additionally, Mr Phonphir shared the results of the investigations into the Phuket Chabad.
Inspections revealed several irregularities involving permits, which the Chabad has been given 30 days to address.
Source: Google Maps
If they fail to submit relevant permits or documents within 30 days, the construction may face demolition.
Furthermore, investigations uncovered that some goods sold inside the Chabad were imported without the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) approval.
The deputy minister questioned how the products had entered the country and said relevant agencies will issue orders to seize them.
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Featured image adapted from Google Maps and Naewna.
