Thailand’s prime minister speaks sharply about private cemeteries for foreigners — Jerusalem Post
Thailand’s Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul spoke sharply at a meeting in Bangkok about foreigners seeking to establish private cemeteries in the country. He instructed provincial governors to strengthen oversight of foreigners who violate the law, the Jerusalem Post reports.
Speaking about an application to establish a private cemetery, Charnvirakul said this was “going too far.” According to him, foreigners can come to Thailand and earn an honest living, but “if you are going to die, die at home; there is no need to come here to die.”
Cemetery in Chachoengsao
The prime minister did not directly name either Israel or a Jewish cemetery. However, his comments came several days after publicity surrounding a Jewish cemetery in Chachoengsao province, east of Bangkok.
On Wednesday, Thai authorities removed four bodies from the site — three Israeli citizens and one British citizen — and transferred them for reburial at a licensed cemetery in Chonburi province. The license for the cemetery in Chachoengsao was issued in 2021 but was not subsequently renewed. One Israeli citizen was buried while the permit was still valid, while the other three were buried after it expired.
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Oversight of foreigners
Charnvirakul also said that religious institutions cannot be established independently, without regard for local society and culture. He ordered intensified action against cases in which foreigners, according to him, exploit Thai citizens, conduct business illegally, use nominees, or establish institutions without the necessary permits.
The prime minister stressed that these measures are not directed against any particular nationality. According to him, authorities have encountered similar cases involving foreigners from countries in Asia, the Middle East, Central Asia, Europe and Africa. He added that foreigners who are legally in Thailand, work honestly and respect the country’s laws and culture remain welcome guests.
A NIDA Poll survey conducted on September 8–10 among 1,410 people in Bangkok and five provinces showed that 76.38% of respondents had heard through the media or social networks about improper or illegal behavior attributed to Israelis in Thailand. Personal experience of such cases was reported by 5.11% of respondents. Among those who had heard such reports or had relevant experience, 77.49% believed that authorities should strictly enforce the law. The survey is not representative of the entire country.
