‘Take Our Thailand Back’: Sondhi Announces New Pressure Campaign
Sondhi Limthongkul
BANGKOK, Sept. 8, 2026 — Thai political activist and former People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) leader Sondhi Limthongkul has launched a new “Take Our Thailand Back” campaign, announcing plans to submit a protest letter to the Israeli Embassy in Bangkok on September 10 over what he alleges are foreign-run “grey” businesses and the use of Thai nominee arrangements.
Sondhi announced the campaign at Baan Phra Athit on September 7, saying the movement would pressure the government to address alleged illegal business networks, foreign ownership arrangements and what he described as unequal enforcement of Thai law.
He has scheduled the protest at the Israeli Embassy on Sukhumvit Road at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, when he plans to deliver a letter and read a statement. Sondhi said the action would be followed by further mobilisation and efforts to rally public support across Thailand.
Sondhi alleged that some Israeli business operators were among foreign nationals using Thai nominees to conduct illegal or “grey” businesses. He said the campaign was not directed exclusively at Israelis, but also raised concerns involving Chinese, Indian, Russian and other foreign business groups, as well as alleged nominee ownership of land and other assets.
He accused the government of failing to enforce the law equally and questioned what he described as preferential treatment for major corporate groups, accelerated approvals for data-centre projects and delays in compensation and recovery assistance for flood victims in Hat Yai.
Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has dismissed the premise of the campaign, saying Thailand already belongs to its people and therefore does not need to be “taken back.” Sondhi rejected the response and questioned whether authorities were doing enough to tackle alleged grey-business networks.
Phuket Rosh Hashanah Gathering Draws Questions
The campaign comes amid separate controversy over a planned Rosh Hashanah gathering in Phuket.
The event is scheduled for September 11–13 at Chabad Patong and another venue, with organisers seeking police support for security. Earlier reports suggested around 2,000 participants, while Phuket police later said organisers expected roughly 1,000 people across two venues. Police have planned security measures for the event.
Some local residents have raised concerns about alleged behaviour by Israeli visitors and questioned whether all necessary permissions had been obtained. Organisers have said they sought approval from the relevant authorities.
The controversy follows increased scrutiny by Thai authorities of foreign-owned businesses and possible nominee arrangements in Phuket. Officials have previously conducted inspections of businesses amid complaints involving foreign operators and alleged illegal ownership structures.
Sondhi’s Protest Legacy
Sondhi is a prominent figure in Thailand’s protest politics. He helped establish the PAD, whose supporters became known as the Yellow Shirts, during the political confrontation with former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in the mid-2000s.
PAD protests later escalated in 2008, including the occupation of Government House and the seizure of Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports, disrupting air travel and tourism.
Sondhi has said his latest campaign is not intended to remove the Anutin government, but rather to pressure it to take action on what he considers failures in law enforcement and protection of Thai interests.
