More than 20 local organizations in Thailand plan to organize a protest on Saturday in Phuket island, against the Israeli presence and activities of institutions linked to the Jewish "Chabad" movement, amid fears of escalating protests. Channel 12 reported that activists from about 20 organizations are preparing to organize a large protest against Israel and the "Chabad" movement in Phuket island, with an expected participation of thousands of people.
For his part, one of the protest leaders, Saichol Notchat, called for the expulsion of elements linked to the "Chabad" movement from Thailand and the "eradication" of what he described as the "Israeli network" in the country. The channel explained that the protest is scheduled to be held in Savan Hin park in Phuket city on Saturday evening, among the expected participants is Sindy Limthongkul, a prominent political figure in Thailand and one of the former leaders of the "Yellow Shirts" protest movement.
Allegations of illegal activities
The organizers of the protest say that elements linked to Israel and the "Chabad" movement are engaging in illegal commercial activities and seizing assets and properties in Thailand, according to the channel. Channel 12 noted that no reports of new specific security threats or the adoption of exceptional security measures by the Thai police ahead of the protest have been received.
Previous protests and wide criticism
For its part, the Israeli newspaper "Yedioth Ahronot" reported that the capital Bangkok and Phuket island have witnessed protests against Israel in recent months. The newspaper added that wide criticism is directed in Thailand against the behavior of Israeli tourists and businessmen, due to violating local laws. Last September, Phuket island witnessed protests near the headquarters of the "Chabad" movement, which led to the cancellation of a religious banquet scheduled for hundreds of Israelis, amid security fears.
"Chabad", also known as "Chabad Lubavitch", is one of the largest ultra-Orthodox Jewish Hasidic movements in the world, founded by Rabbi Shneour Zalman of Liadi in the late 18th century in 1788 in an area that is currently in Belarus. The movement acquired the name "Lubavitch" from a town that bore the same name, which it made its center, before its leadership moved to Latvia then Poland, reaching the Brooklyn neighborhood in New York City, USA in 1940, where its headquarters is currently located.
Source: Anadolu Agency
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