Phuket widens Chabad House probe to firms with 261.58m baht in assets

Phuket Governor Chotnarin Kerdsom has ordered broader checks into businesses and shareholding structures associated with Chabad House Patong after preliminary inspections found unauthorised building alterations. Officials have identified two associated companies with combined assets of approximately 261.58 million baht.

Chotnarin said public attention and reports raising several issues about the premises on Rat-U-Thit 200 Pi Road, in Patong subdistrict, Kathu district, had prompted the province to investigate the facts comprehensively.

The provincial checks followed a visit to Phuket by Deputy Interior Minister Polpee Suwanchawee, who examined issues involving establishments in Patong.

Alterations found on first and fifth floors

Officials inspecting Chabad House Patong under the Building Control Act B.E. 2522 (1979) found that some construction and alterations did not conform to approved plans, according to the governor.

The building had permission for six storeys, but inspectors identified alterations in some areas, particularly on the first and fifth floors. Orders were issued to bring the affected areas into compliance with the law.

Inspectors also found different uses across the building’s floors. These included an area resembling a coffee shop; spaces for gatherings and preparing items for religious activities; a worship room with separate areas for men and women; space for preparing ceremonial equipment; and an area resembling a meeting room for lectures.

Chotnarin outlined three measures for non-compliant construction or alterations: stopping construction, suspending use of areas that depart from approved plans, and requiring the affected sections to be corrected or demolished.

Areas that comply with approved plans and have the necessary permission can continue operating lawfully, he said.

Two associated companies hold 261.58 million baht in assets

Preliminary business checks identified two companies within the same business group, both with offices in Choeng Thale subdistrict, Chotnarin said. The latest information examined by the province showed combined assets of approximately 261.58 million baht and six branches in total, including four in Phuket.

The province is examining associated property businesses, tour operations and other activities, including their registrations and licences, to establish the facts behind complaints.

Shareholding structures also remain under investigation. Preliminary information identified three main directors: two Thai nationals and one Israeli national.

Chotnarin said officials would examine the details to determine whether the shareholdings and business operations comply with the law, assessing each case according to its legal status and the available facts.

“We need to examine the details to determine whether any laws have been breached. Above all, we must follow the law and investigate every aspect, rather than focusing on any single issue,” he said.

Agencies expected to report findings next week

Chotnarin said about five agencies had been assigned to examine whether the use of the premises, activities and business operations require permits or further action under applicable laws.

The governor expects the agencies to compile their findings by next week. The province will then prepare an overall account of matters falling within Phuket’s jurisdiction and inform the public.

The province said its investigation would cover the building, use of the premises, business operations, shareholdings and other activities, with decisions based on the facts and relevant laws.

Officials would also consider safety, public order and suitability for the local area. This approach is consistent with the province’s announcement following the September 15 visit that it would examine all relevant information before reaching conclusions.