Phuket: Monitoring the activities of the "Moving to Thailand" group has revealed an increasing trend of Israelis encouraging their compatriots to move to Thailand, focusing on Jewish synagogues and kosher restaurants in condominiums. The influx of foreign capital and individuals into Thailand's tourist cities is escalating, transitioning from mere tourism to potential permanent resettlement by foreigners.
According to Thai News Agency, a luxury condominium project shared on a social media group of Israelis, with over 30,000 members, has been actively inviting fellow Israelis to relocate to Thailand, particularly targeting cities like Pattaya and Phuket. The project aims to create an "exclusive community" featuring amenities that support a traditional lifestyle, including kosher restaurants and a Jewish synagogue (Chabad) within the development.
In Pattaya, six-star luxury condominiums are being marketed with claims of matching standards found in Dubai and Miami. Meanwhile, in Rawai Beach, Phuket, luxury ocean-view condos are being offered starting at 410,000 shekels (approximately 4-5 million Thai baht). However, posts consistently mention a service assisting Israeli citizens in owning land and real estate, despite Thai laws prohibiting direct foreign land ownership.
An investigation into the shareholding structure of some condominiums in Rawai revealed irregularities. From 2023 to 2025, a standard 51% Thai and 49% foreign shareholding was maintained. Recently, the structure shifted to show 100% Thai ownership on paper, raising concerns about potential use of "nominees" to facilitate Israeli investment.
Dr. Lerpong Sareed, an expert in Middle Eastern studies, highlighted the situation as a "circular operation," where money circulates within the group without benefiting the local community. Additionally, some foreigners' disrespect for Thai laws and culture has led to conflicts, including insults, non-payments, and harassment of locals.
Concerns also extend to the expansion of "Shabad" centers, with over 10 branches nationwide. These expansions, alongside large buildings found with deep basements in Bangkok, raise questions about land ownership legality and the possibility of a "state within a state."
In response to these issues, Phuket residents will gather on August 28th to demand government intervention. The "Phuket Land Protection Group" will hold a rally at Dolphin Park, Patong Beach, calling for urgent investigation into land ownership and financial transactions, and strict law enforcement to protect Thai businesses and land.
"This gathering is a peaceful expression. We welcome tourists, but they must respect Thai law and the local community. Incidents, especially involving Israeli groups, have increased, with tuk-tuk drivers being spat on and instances of non-payment," a representative of the Phuket Land Protection Group stated.
This assembly is a warning to the government to protect national interests before Thai land is surreptitiously acquired.