Chiang Mai’s deputy governor led a multi-agency inspection of the Chabad House on Chang Khlan Road on 14 October and said afterwards that nothing illegal turned up. Security agencies are still watching the place, he added, though there is nothing out of the ordinary at the moment.
Boonlue Thammatharanurak was joined by officials from the district administration, the military, immigration police, the provincial culture office, Chiang Mai City Municipality and the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC). Reporters were not allowed inside. Chabad’s own security staff turned them away.
Boonlue described it as a routine check, not a response to any complaint. On the land and building, he said, Chabad leases the restaurant space from Arunee Phuangphruek. The permit covers food service in an area of up to 200 square metres, the lease is in order and it runs until 2028 (B.E. 2571). The alcohol licence was issued by the Excise Department.
The religious side is murkier, mainly because Thai law doesn’t really cover it. Boonlue said there is currently no legislation governing a venue that doubles as a place of worship. Judaism, he explained, is a closed religion, and the house mainly serves Jewish travellers passing through Chiang Mai. People gather to pray on Fridays and Saturdays only, and each time somewhere between 100 and 200 turn up. According to him, these are Israelis who come for the meal.
His advice was to keep the religious services low-key. He also suggested that the Jewish foundation, which is registered in Bangkok, set up a proper branch in Chiang Mai.
Our reporter noted that the Chabad House has been open since 2004 (B.E. 2547), and police and security officials have checked on it regularly over the years without any complaints being lodged. The rabbi who runs it holds a business visa, has been in the job about five years, and his visa status is in order.
