Chachoengsao provincial governor responded to concerns raised by locals about a proposed Jewish cemetery in the province, saying the project could affect natural resources and water sources.
Unverified information recently circulated on Thai social media claiming that about 9,690 square metres of land in Samed Tai, Bang Khla, Chachoengsao, would be developed as a cemetery for Jewish people capable of accommodating up to 1,200 bodies.
The information prompted concerns among locals, particularly because many residents in the area are farmers and depend on local water sources.
The Spacebar reported that a Thai national, whose name has not been publicly disclosed, applied for a permit to operate a cemetery on the land in 2021. According to Thai PBS, the plot is surrounded by a fence about four metres high, and its entrance is kept locked.
The project was named Jewish Cemetery Thailand and was intended to provide additional burial space for the Jewish community because the existing cemetery in Bangkok had limited capacity.
Locals subsequently noticed the changes and submitted a complaint to the local administrative office opposing the use of the land as a cemetery.
Bodies were later reportedly taken to the site, prompting about 60 Thai people to protest outside the premises against the burial. ThaiRath reported that one body had been buried there, while the Jewish community in Thailand confirmed that three bodies had been buried.
Local officials later investigated the site and decided not to extend the cemetery permit because it did not meet certain requirements, including its proximity to natural water sources.
The Thai national who applied for the permit and a private company involved in the project appealed the permit revocation in court. The case remains ongoing.
The issue returned to public discussion on social media recently, prompting Chachoengsao Provincial Governor Nimit Wongvara to order an investigation.
Nimit confirmed to the public yesterday that the application to extend the cemetery permit had been rejected. He also said there is currently no body buried on the land.
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