Thai Deputy Interior Minister Polpeera Suwannachawi this week ordered provincial governors to inspect up to nine Chabad-Lubavitch centers nationwide, broadening a probe into a “network of Israelis” that lawmakers say bought land valued at nearly $3 million.

The centers, known as Chabad houses, belong to the New York-headquartered Chabad-Lubavitch movement, tied to radical settler-colonial politics in Palestine and ranking among the most influential Jewish groups in the world. 

Governors were told to carry out on-site checks and work with relevant agencies to confirm the legality of the land holdings, building permits, and funding behind the centers. [Read More]

Thailand has become a test case for the use of biometric data in every facet of life. Facial recognition data is required for any single transfer above 50,000 baht (around $1,580), daily transfers above 200,000 baht, and any international transfers from personal accounts. All major Thai banks, such as Bangkok Bank, Kasikorn (KBank), SCB, Krungthai, and Krungsri, require customers to submit biometric data, and the Bank of Thailand (BOT) provides the general guidelines that these banks must follow. [Read More]