Official Orders Probe Into Israeli Investment in Southern Border Land

Deputy Interior Minister Polpeer Suwannachawi has ordered an investigation into Israeli investment in southern border regions, including reports of land purchases totaling nearly 100 million baht across three provinces, and says he is concerned such activity could create religious or cultural conflict in communities.

Suwannachawi discussed ongoing enforcement actions against synagogues, noting there are currently 8-9 operating nationwide. In Phuket, authorities have discovered violations including unpermitted building extensions on the sixth floor, giving synagogue operators 30 days to seek proper authorization or face demolition. Inspections also found imported goods being sold without proper approval documentation, and relevant agencies will issue seizure orders to prevent their distribution.

The deputy minister said he has been approached by multiple lawmakers warning of an Israeli network, particularly companies involved in funeral services and other businesses, systematically acquiring land in three southern border provinces. He plans to conduct a personal investigation into the land holdings, their legal ownership, construction permits, and the source of funding—noting that since synagogues do not generate commercial revenue, it is unclear why tens of millions of baht would be invested. He expressed particular concern that such activities could trigger religious or cultural tensions within local communities.