Thai Military Raids Koh Samui Chabad House

On Friday night, the Thai military raided the Chabad House on Koh Samui Island, a popular tourist destination, amid a sweep of Israeli businesses. One local Israeli business-owner was arrested on suspicion of illegal possession of weapons.

Nati Hadad, the manager of Koh Samui Search and Rescue medical center – which is well-known to the many Israeli tourists who visit the island, was arrested on suspicion of weapons possession.

Today, Hadad’s brother Eliran published a video on the business’ Facebook page asking the public for help.

“Nati was arrested because people are trying to slander his name, and it’s not the first time,” the post read. “He’s been living in Koh Samui for seven years, volunteering to help people in Thailand during their times of suffering. He’s not doing anything illegal.”

“Nati needs your help. If we can’t come up with 100,000 shekels, he’ll be transferred to a Thai jail, bound hand and foot. His Zoza Bar was supposed to celebrate its official reopening, and there’s a clear connection between the bar and when Nati was arrested.”

The Israeli Consulate to Thailand, Orit Shani, said she has already contacted local police and is looking into the matter.