Chabad House in Phuket, Thailand, Cancels New Year’s Meal Amid Anti-Israeli Protests

Demonstrations against Israeli tourism in Phuket heightened tensions in the days before New Year’s Eve, and anti-Israeli protesters gathered outside the Chabad House on the island. One report says demonstrators carried signs reading “No Jews, Get Out” and “No Israel.” The group behind the protests warned that it would escalate its actions on September 11 if the government did not heed its demands. The source does not say which government it meant.

Planning for the New Year’s Eve events had already changed under pressure. The event was originally planned for around a thousand participants across two locations in Patong. Under local pressure, authorities reduced it to a single location, limited attendance to 800, and set an earlier end time of 21:00. Police planned to deploy reinforced forces to separate the protest area from the Jewish event, a step that protects people who are at risk from the crowd (Psalm 82:3).

The reports differ on who called off the meal. One report says the Chabad House canceled its New Year’s meal on the recommendation of local security officials. The other says Israeli security officials reportedly canceled a meal organized by a group, citing safety concerns caused by the protests. A message sent to participants warned them against approaching the area and noted the potential for violence. Israeli residents in the area shared concerns about the impact of the protests on their community on social media.

Diplomatic responses followed. On Tuesday, Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Fuangkatkao called Israel’s ambassador, Dr. Alona Fischer-Kam, to express displeasure with the behavior of Israeli tourists. The report does not describe the specific conduct it refers to.

Earlier the same day, protesters gathered in front of the Israeli embassy in Bangkok, waving signs calling for the expulsion of Israelis. The reports describe these demonstrations as anti-Israeli protests. They do not state whether the protesters were acting with any organization beyond the group that warned of further action.