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Martin Alintuck
Global Jew Living in Thailand

Is Thailand – “Paradise on Earth” — a Dangerous Place for Jews and Israelis?

Jews who live in Thailand tend to be a passionate group who do a great job of maintaining their Jewish heritage, traditions, beliefs and passions in the midst of Asia. Our hometown communities are far away and the imperative to “be Jewish” — no matter where we are — carries on the tradition of the “Diaspora Jew” which began when the Jews were exiled from their ancient homeland.

Today, with a true homeland in Israel, Jewish communities are still found throughout the world and the Diaspora itself “continues to be a significant part of the Jewish identity and culture.”

For the Jews of Thailand, the November 21, 2024 kidnapping and murder of Rabbi Zvi Kogan in the UAE sent a shiver up our collective spine.  Violence against Jews is nothing new in our history, but the murder of a Chabad rabbi was particularly painful given so many of us – who do not live in our home countries – have had great experiences with Chabad, especially their tremendous support in helping us maintain our “Jewishness” while living outside of America, Israel and other countries.

As for me, after hearing the news of this heinous murder, I immediately contacted the Chabad rabbi and implored him to take “all necessary precautions.” Chabad rabbis, their families, members and followers of Chabad do not hide their Jewishness and commitment to modest dress.  Simply put, you know Chabad people when you see them.  And with “law enforcement” – in some parts of Thailand – often treated as an “optional activity,” it’s scary to think about the potential for anti-Jew hatred and crime.

On November 12, 2024 – a mere nine days before the murder of Rabbi Kogan – the Israeli National Security Council (NSC) “called on Israelis currently in Thailand to increase their awareness…due to emerging potential threats to Israelis in the country.”  Three days after the murder, “in light of the continued threats, the NSC raised the travel threat level to Level 2” and recommended exercising increased caution for Jews in Thailand.

Among their stark recommendations:

  • Avoid attending large events identified with Israel, especially those publicized in advance, as well as places of entertainment and leisure identified with Israel.
  • Conceal anything that could identify you as Israeli/Jewish.
  • Avoid updating your location and travel plans on social media.
  • Avoid discussing the security situation in Israel and posting related content on social media.

The guidelines went on to note that they are valid for the entire country of Thailand but do NOT affect the existing high threat level (Level 4) for travel to Thailand’s southern areas.  According to the UK government, “There are regular terrorist attacks in the 4 provinces in the southern tip of Thailand by the border with Malaysia.”

All these formal notices and careful wording aside, this is quite scary for Jews living in Thailand.

The country has had a well-deserved reputation among expats and tourists as a great place to visit and live.  It has always been a place for a tranquil and secure vacation experience – a place where one can get away from the stresses of home and otherwise.  It would have been – and still would be – hard to find someone who felt Thailand was unsafe.

One blog:  Why Thailand Should be Your Next Holiday Destination argues that “Thailand’s alluring blend of breathtaking natural scenery, fascinating culture, and welcoming hospitality makes it the ideal getaway for travelers seeking paradise on Earth.”  It’s hard for those of us in Thailand to argue with any of that…but things have changed, at least from our perspective.

The Israeli government warns “current intelligence…relevant to the Southeast Asia arena and especially Thailand indicates that the terrorists responsible for the murder of Rabbi Kogan have been planning further terrorist activity.”  Of course, it’s obvious that terrorist organizations would not stop but, would indeed, continue their planning.  That’s what they do.

What’s striking, is that Thailand is called out.

Some scary things happening in Thailand today:

  • A friend reports her neighbor flies a Palestinian flag even though, in Thailand, flags of other countries/nations/peoples can only be legally flown at diplomatic embassies and residences.
  • We have been told by the Israeli notices to remain “extra alert” in public places… something Jews have never worried about before in Thailand.
  • I can go into my local gym and find “Free Gaza” t-shirts worn by fellow members.  There is nothing illegal about that;  but it is jarring considering the apolitical nature of most foreign residents in Thailand.
  • We cannot publicly list locations for Jewish events.  I am sure this admonition is common in many places in the world, even in the United States.  But a place like Thailand has always seemed to be immune to such restrictions.

The “paradise on Earth” theory is being tested for Israelis and Jews in Thailand.  Jew-hatred, anti-Israeli sentiment, and all the angst and anxieties that follow, have come to Thailand and likely will not be gone any time soon.

Of course, as Jews, we have suffered antisemitism throughout the ages.  So, why should our experience in Thailand be any different?

We could all have good answers for this… but we know, the “why” is pretty much obvious.

About the Author
A native of Boston, Martin has lived and worked in the US, China, Japan, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia and Singapore. He has been a global communications leader helping numerous Fortune 500 brands and companies. He has built and managed global offices for IPG/Weber Shandwick, Edelman, Burson, Ruder Finn among others. A graduate of the Harvard Kennedy School and Brandeis University, Martin ran the $65M American presence at Expo 2010 Shanghai, the largest world’s expo ever. He is most passionate about the Boston Red Sox baseball team and teaching his young daughters about the joys of being Jewish.
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