A large Jewish New Year celebration in Phuket was cancelled at the last minute after security officials warned of potential violence amid growing protests against Israeli visitors and the local Jewish community.
The Rosh Hashanah dinner, organised by Chabad Patong, had been scheduled for Sept 11 and was expected to draw hundreds of Jewish residents and Israeli visitors. The event was cancelled following a request from Israeli security officials, who expressed concern that protesters could become violent.
The cancellation followed several days of protests in Phuket over the planned celebration. About 500 people gathered near the Chabad House in Patong on Friday, with some protesters calling for the event to be stopped. Some signs and rhetoric at the demonstrations were reported to contain antisemitic messages.
Phuket authorities had initially allowed the celebration to proceed but imposed tighter conditions because of security concerns. The event had been reduced from two venues to one, attendance was capped at 800 people and the closing time was moved forward to 9pm. Officials said the measures were intended to balance public safety, residents’ concerns and the rights of organisers.
Local authorities had previously asked organisers to reconsider the event because of fears that protests or third-party disturbances could affect public safety in Patong, a major tourist area. Officials also expressed concern that any confrontation involving a large crowd could damage Phuket’s tourism image.
The dispute comes amid heightened tensions surrounding Israeli tourists in Thailand. Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the Israeli Embassy in Bangkok on Sept 10, demanding that foreign visitors respect Thai laws and local culture. Thai officials have stressed that Thailand welcomes tourists but that visitors are expected to follow the country’s laws regardless of nationality.
The controversy has also raised concerns about the distinction between criticism of individual visitors’ behaviour and hostility toward an entire nationality or religious community. Recent protests in Phuket included both objections to Israeli tourism and rhetoric directed at Jews, prompting concerns about antisemitism.
Chabad Patong said other Rosh Hashanah prayers and festive meals planned for the following days were expected to continue. The cancellation of the main dinner, however, underscored the seriousness of the security concerns surrounding the Jewish community’s celebrations in Phuket.
The incident comes as Thai and Israeli officials seek to ease tensions over the conduct of some Israeli visitors. Israeli Ambassador Alona Fisher-Kamm has discussed the issue with Thailand’s foreign minister and proposed practical guidance for Israeli travellers on respecting Thai laws and local customs.
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