Israeli-Linked Cemetery Company Under Thai Probe Over Nearly 100 Million Baht in Land Purchases
Israeli-Linked Cemetery Company Under Thai Probe Over Nearly 100 Million Baht in Land Purchases
BANGKOK, Sept. 23, 2026 — Thailand’s Interior Ministry is expanding an investigation into an Israeli-linked business network, including a company associated with Jewish cemetery operations, after officials received information that land worth nearly 100 million baht had been acquired across the country’s three southern border provinces.
Deputy Interior Minister Polapee Suwanchawee said on Sept. 22 that he would personally travel to the southern provinces to examine the reported purchases and determine who owns the properties, where the purchase funds came from, which companies were involved and what the land was intended for.
The investigation follows information provided by several members of Parliament concerning what they described as a network involving Israeli nationals and companies connected with cemeteries and other businesses.
Thai authorities have not established that the reported land purchases involved wrongdoing. Polapee said the investigation would focus on establishing the facts, including the ownership structure, source of funds and intended use of the properties.
The inquiry follows an earlier investigation into Gan Chabad Co., Ltd., which authorities identified in connection with a Jewish cemetery in Chachoengsao Province. The cemetery’s operating licence was not renewed, and officials have been examining the company’s ownership and wider business connections.
Authorities have also expanded checks of cemeteries nationwide. The Interior Ministry previously ordered inspections of about 1,200 burial and cremation sites to verify licences and examine potential business connections. Officials have stressed that the broader checks are not directed at any particular nationality or religion.
Chabad centres also under scrutiny
Polapee said authorities were examining around eight or nine Chabad locations across Thailand, including existing centres and projects under construction.
Provincial governors have been instructed to check land ownership, construction permits, the legality of companies holding the properties and the sources of funding for the developments.
In Phuket, an inspection found apparent irregularities involving extensions and other structures that may not have received the required authorisation. Operators have been given 30 days to submit the necessary documents, failing which the affected structures could face demolition, Polapee said.
Officials also found imported products being sold without required labels or Food and Drug Administration approval and were preparing procedures to seize the goods, according to the minister.
In southern provinces, including Krabi, authorities are also examining proposed Chabad developments following concerns raised by local residents. Polapee said provincial authorities must gather information and explain the projects’ purposes to communities.
Bangkok sites show fewer concerns
Preliminary inspections of two Chabad-related sites in Bangkok have so far found no major irregularities.
At a site on Phra Athit Road, officials found no underground construction despite earlier reports of a basement. The second and third floors were reportedly being used as accommodation for Israelis, with no irregularities identified during the initial inspection.
A Chabad House project on Sukhumvit Soi 22 includes three underground parking levels and a five-storey building. Polapee said the project had followed the notification procedure under Section 39 bis of Thailand’s Building Control Act 1979. Officials were continuing to verify details, including a possible issue concerning the required road setback.
Polapee said the government would continue examining the wider network and planned further discussions with the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) as authorities seek to determine the extent of the business connections.
The reported southern land purchases and any links among the companies remain under investigation, with Thai authorities yet to announce findings establishing illegal ownership, financing or other offences.
