Thai Authorities Raid Jewish and Chabad Sites in Bangkok Amid Corporate Probe
Thai authorities raided three Jewish and Chabad sites in Bangkok amid an investigation into foreign business ownership and nominal shareholders, while local representatives stressed full cooperation and adherence to the law.
Thai authorities raided three Jewish sites in Bangkok on Thursday, including the Chabad Foundation of Bangkok, the Chabad Kindergarten, and the Jewish Association of Thailand, as part of an expanding investigation into an alleged network of businesses and assets linked to Israeli nationals in a country with strict limits on foreign business ownership.
Investigation into Foreign Business Ownership
According to the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) under the Thai Ministry of Justice, the probe focuses on suspicions that Thai citizens were used as nominal shareholders or strawmen to conduct business and hold property in violation of local laws. Over ten enforcement agencies participated in the raids, including the police, tax authorities, immigration, the Anti-Money Laundering Office, and the Department of Lands.
Investigators are reviewing the ultimate beneficial owners, funding sources, real estate transactions, corporate activities, and the citizenship status of individuals involved. At the Chabad Kindergarten in Bang Rak, authorities noted that over 61 companies were registered at the same address, with overlapping directors. They also detained three Myanmar nationals allegedly working without valid permits.
Chabad Responds and Cooperates Fully
Rabbi Nechemia Wilhelm, the Chabad emissary in Bangkok, told reporters that the community has nothing to hide and is cooperating fully with authorities.
"We have nothing to hide. We operate strictly according to Thai law, for the benefit of travelers and Jews, and we engage in charity and kindness for everyone. Our doors are always open," Rabbi Wilhelm said.
He explained that the documents found at one of the targeted sites belonged to an accountant who provides services to numerous external companies, denying any operational connection between Chabad and those firms. Community representatives emphasized that all religious and humanitarian activities will continue as usual, with hundreds of guests expected for the upcoming Sabbath.