Thailand’s Deputy Interior Minister Plapheer Suwannachwee has raised concerns over what he described as links between investors and an Israeli network allegedly preparing to purchase land worth nearly 100 million baht in Thailand’s three southern border provinces to build a Chabad center. He said he may personally visit the area to investigate, amid concerns that the issue could lead to tensions with local religious communities. He instructed provincial governors and local administrative authorities to conduct thorough checks and reassure residents. He also said the Phuket case had raised several irregularities, including construction without proper permits, and gave those involved 30 days to submit the required documents or face possible demolition. Meanwhile, initial checks of sites on Phra Athit Road and Sukhumvit Soi 22 in Bangkok found no major irregularities. He added that if authorities in Krabi were unable to carry out the necessary checks, he would go there himself.

On September 22, 2026, at the Bhumjaithai Party headquarters, Deputy Interior Minister Plapheer Suwannachwee spoke about the nationwide inspection of Israeli community centers and religious facilities, commonly known as Chabad centers. He said authorities were currently conducting detailed checks after identifying around eight or nine Chabad sites across the country.

In Phuket, he said, the provincial governor's inspection had found suspected irregularities involving construction permits, including building extensions and structures that may not have been properly authorized. The authorities would give those involved 30 days to apply for the necessary permits or submit the relevant documents. If they failed to do so, the structures could face demolition, he said.

Authorities had also found a shop selling imported products without proper labels or Thai FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approval. Officials were now processing the necessary paperwork to seize the products, he said.

Plapheer said residents remained concerned about other Chabad centers in southern Thailand, as well as facilities that are currently being planned or constructed. He instructed provincial governors to inspect the sites, particularly their construction permits, and to coordinate with relevant agencies to examine the companies holding the land and determine whether their ownership and construction activities complied with the law.

He also said the source of funds used to finance the construction needed to be examined. He questioned how large sums of money could be raised to build and maintain Chabad facilities, saying that such religious centers do not themselves generate income.

“We are currently investigating the network I previously mentioned. The investigation has now expanded considerably and is almost complete,” Plapheer said. He added that authorities would hold another meeting with the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) to determine how far the investigation could be expanded, saying that he did not want local residents to become unnecessarily concerned.

Plapheer also said several members of parliament had approached him claiming that they had found an Israeli network, particularly companies involved in cemeteries or other businesses, that had purchased land in Thailand’s three southern border provinces. The land was reportedly worth nearly 100 million baht, he said.

He said he planned to personally visit the area in the near future to determine who owned the land, where the funds used to purchase it came from, what companies were involved, and what their intentions were. He also said the authorities might invite the companies to discuss their businesses, as they were concerned that activities potentially conflicting with local religious practices or communities could lead to further problems.

Asked about a Chabad center in Krabi, where residents have reportedly expressed considerable concern, Plapheer said he was also concerned. He said it was the responsibility of the Department of Provincial Administration and the provincial governor to investigate, gather information, and explain to residents what was actually being planned.

“If the province cannot do it, I will go there myself,” he said, adding that he would personally inspect the site and make sure residents had access to accurate information so they could feel reassured.

Regarding Chabad facilities in Bangkok, Plapheer said Bangkok authorities had already inspected the site on Phra Athit Road and found no underground construction as had been reported. The second and third floors were reportedly being used as accommodation for Israeli visitors, and no irregularities had initially been found.

As for the Chabad House under construction on Sukhumvit Soi 22, authorities confirmed that the site had three levels of underground parking and a five-story building above ground. According to Plapheer, the construction was being carried out under the notification procedure provided for under Section 39 bis of the 1979 Building Control Act. After discussions with the Bangkok governor, authorities had not found any major irregularities so far, although there could be an issue concerning the required setback between the road and the resort, which might result in an order to make corrections.

Plapheer said he had instructed the Department of Provincial Administration to cross-check the information with Bangkok authorities and that he would personally investigate if any irregularities were found.

The key claims about the alleged “Israeli network,” the nearly 100-million-baht land purchase, and the funding were statements attributed to Plapheer, rather than independently established facts. Contemporary reports from *Naewna*, *The Reporters*, and *Manager* also attribute these claims to him. 

Thai Deputy Interior Minister to Probe Alleged Israeli Network Buying Nearly ฿100m of Land in 3 Southern Border Provinces