Minister probes 100m baht Israeli-linked land purchases
Deputy Interior Minister Polapee Suwanchawee says he will personally investigate reports that Israeli-linked companies have bought land worth nearly 100 million baht in Thailand’s three southern border provinces, as officials expand checks on Chabad centres in Thailand. Speaking at the Bhumjaithai Party today, September 22, Polapee said officials were examining around eight or nine Chabad … The…
Legacy Deputy Interior Minister Polapee Suwanchawee announced a personal investigation into reports of Israeli-linked companies purchasing land worth nearly 100 million baht in Thailand's southern border provinces. Officials are examining eight or nine Chabad sites nationwide, including existing centers and construction projects.
In Phuket, an inspection by the provincial governor revealed irregularities with building permits, potentially leading to the demolition of affected structures if proper applications and documents are not submitted within 30 days. The Phuket inspection also uncovered imported products sold without necessary labels or FDA approval, prompting authorities to prepare documentation to seize the goods.
Similar checks are being conducted at Chabad sites in other southern provinces, where residents have raised concerns about development activities. Provincial governors have been instructed to examine construction permits and investigate the legality of companies holding the land, as well as trace the funding behind these developments.
Polapee emphasized that Chabad centers or Jewish synagogues do not generate income, questioning the source of funding for construction and upkeep. Several MPs have also provided information about a network involving Israelis and companies connected to cemeteries and other businesses, buying land in the three southern border provinces.
Polapee intends to visit the area to determine ownership, funding sources, and the intended use of the properties. Concerns have been raised in Krabi regarding a Chabad project, and Polapee has instructed the Department of Provincial Administration to gather information and communicate with residents about the project's purpose.
If provincial officials are unable to resolve the concerns, Polapee stated he would personally inspect the matter. Checks in Bangkok have produced varying results, with no underground construction found at a Chabad site on Phra Athit Road, but plans for a project in Sukhumvit Soi 22 include underground parking levels and a five-story building, with no irregularities identified at the preliminary stage.
Polapee has instructed the Department of Provincial Administration to continue checking information with Bangkok officials and will personally inspect any site with further irregularities.
Written by urgent.news from The Thaiger's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
