PHUKET, Thailand – Chabad Patong is preparing to host a large gathering for the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, in Patong on September 11, with organizers announcing plans to bring together up to 2,000 people. The event is scheduled to take place from 4 p.m. to midnight at Chabad Patong on Rat-U-Thit 200 Pi Road in Patong, Kathu district. Organizers say the necessary applications for permission to hold the event have been submitted to the relevant local authorities.
Chabad has invited Israelis and Jewish visitors from around the world to travel to Phuket to take part in Rosh Hashanah celebrations, religious ceremonies and charitable activities. Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of the Jewish year. In 2026, the holiday begins at sunset on Friday, September 11, with the first full day falling on Saturday, September 12. Phuket’s Jewish calendar lists candle-lighting at about 6:11 p.m. on September 11.
The Chabad Phuket community is also advertising Rosh Hashanah services and meals in Patong, with registrations open for events beginning on the evening of September 11. The planned gathering has attracted attention because of its expected size and the security considerations surrounding a large international religious gathering in a major tourist area. A Thai social media page, Khon Thai Rak Palestine, also referred to the planned event and encouraged people to attend, although such social media comments do not represent the organizers or local authorities.
The event follows a similar plan announced last year for gatherings at Chabad Patong and in Rawai. According to the report, however, those events were ultimately not held after Phuket security authorities held discussions with organisers and asked for them to be cancelled. This year, Chabad has again announced plans for the Patong gathering, with organizers saying the event is being conducted through the required permission process with the relevant agencies.
Chabad has operated in Patong for many years and provides religious services and facilities for Jewish visitors. Its Phuket center is located at 9/6 Rat-U-Thit 200 Pi Road and holds regular Friday evening and Saturday services. The September gathering is expected to draw Jewish visitors from Thailand and overseas during one of the most important periods in the Jewish religious calendar. Authorities have not indicated that the event has been cancelled, and organizers are proceeding with preparations for the September 11 gathering.
