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Jewish life in Thailand is booming: a new center for 5,000 fellow believers!
Koh Samui is increasingly attracting Jewish travelers as the community in Thailand grows and establishes itself amid global uncertainties.
Jewish life in Thailand is booming: a new center for 5,000 fellow believers!
Recent developments in Thailand show that the tropical paradise is not only popular with holidaymakers, but is also becoming increasingly important for the Jewish community. How ynetnews reports, Thailand has acquired a new emotional dimension for its Jewish residents and visitors following the terrorist attacks on October 7, 2025. The country's Jewish community, led by Chabad Thailand under Rabbi Yosef Kantor, is searching for a balance between the tranquility of this paradisiacal landscape and the turbulent events in Israel.
The Jewish population in Thailand has now grown to an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 people, mostly digital nomads, retirees and business people who moved here due to regional uncertainties. The affordability, tolerance and straightforward visa process attract many Israelis, which greatly invigorates the Thai community. The image of Thailand as a friendly country for Jews is strengthened by the low presence of anti-Semitism. The Thai population is generally respectful and friendly towards Israelis, although global narratives following military conflicts have some impact on perceptions of the country.
The roots of the Jewish community
The history of Jews in Thailand dates back to the 18th century, when Baghdadi Jewish families and Europeans arrived in the country during the Napoleonic era. Today the Jewish community consists primarily of Ashkenazi descendants of refugees and Persian Jews who fled the revolutionary unrest in Iran, such as Wikipedia determines.
A well-established Jewish community of more than 1,000 members exists primarily in Bangkok, particularly in the Khaosan Road area. Smaller groups can also be found in Phuket, Chiang Mai and Ko Samui. Especially during Jewish holidays, many vacationers celebrate these traditions away from their homeland. Chabad plays a central role in religious care and provides weekly Sabbath meals to hundreds of travelers.
Strengthening the community
Rabbi Kantor, who has had the foresight to expand security measures, sees the new construction of a Jewish community center in Bangkok as an invitation and a meeting center for Jews from all over the world. This center will include a synagogue, a social room, a kosher restaurant and a small museum on Thai-Jewish history. The number of Jewish establishments in Thailand is constantly growing: another kosher café recently opened in Bangkok and a pizzeria in Phuket.
How Jewish Review reported, in addition to the Chabad “Ohr Menachem” house, there are numerous inexpensive restaurants and bars in Bangkok that offer young travelers a pleasant atmosphere. Entry to the Chabad House is through passport control to ensure the safety of the community.
With over 100,000 Israeli tourists annually and positive reports of security for Jewish life in Thailand, the region remains a popular destination. Contact with home is promoted in the Chabad House by Rabbi Wilhelm and his team, who not only offer people spiritual support, but also act as contact persons for questions about their stay.
In summary, despite its relatively young roots, the Jewish community in Thailand is constantly growing and adapting to challenges. The tropical country remains a beautiful place, not only for leisure travelers, but also for Jewish life.