LOCAL residents of Pai district, northern Mae Hong Son province, still question the validity of a Chabad House being set up in their midst despite proper authorisation having been obtained from the Interior Ministry to do so while a former official warned of terrorism threat, Amarin TV said this evening (Feb. 21).
Tourist Police had also held a meeting with Pai police station officers, district officials and entrepreneurs on problems besetting this district and it was agreed that strong and serious action must be taken with focus on inspecting accommodation, service establishments, shops and important tourist attractions in the area.
Visitors will be checked for overstaying or working illegally here while guidelines will be disseminated so that both tourists and entrepreneurs better understand Thai law in order to reduce wrongdoing.
The team then visited the Chabad House and held talks with the caretakers and representatives of Israeli tourists to create an understanding.
However local people still question the validity of the Chabad House being set up there even though the Interior Ministry has authorised it on grounds that the landowner had requested permission to build a residence not a Jewish community centre.
Meanwhile Mr Nantiwat Samart, former deputy director of the Prime Minister’s Intelligence Unit, said in a Facebook post that while promoting tourism is good this must not lead to opening the door to danger.
Tourists who come here must return and not hide and stay and officials must check for overstaying.
He added that it has to be ascertained what law allows the establishment of a Chabad House
However while Muslims may set up mosques with five families having to apply to open one it seems unlikely that Israeli tourists would be allowed to apply to open a Chabad House.
He also doubted whether Judaism has been registered with the Department of Religious Affairs.
He added that his objection stems from Pai being a tourist town with lots of tourists visiting but Israelis do have enemies and synagogues and Chabad Houses are a target of terrorism.
CAPTION:
Tourist and local police accompanied by Pai entrepreneurs hold talks with Chabad House caretakers and Israeli tourist representatives and inspecting it. Photos: Amarin TV
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