Chachoengsao Jewish Cemetery Controversy

Khaosod•Society•5d ago

Reader Briefing

Residents of Bang Khla District in Chachoengsao province are concerned over reports that a Jewish cemetery site may be renovated to accommodate 1,200 burials.

•A site in Samet Tai Subdistrict, Chachoengsao, is identified as the New Jewish Cemetery or Jewish Cemetery Thailand.
•Local residents and community leaders expressed concerns over environmental impacts on water sources and occult fears.
•The Department of Provincial Administration previously informed that the Minister of Interior did not accept an appeal regarding the site's permit.
•The current status of the site is under the process of the Rayong Administrative Court.

Overview

•The site located in Moo 2, Samet Tai Subdistrict, Bang Khla District, Chachoengsao, spans approximately 6 rai and 20 square wah.
•Construction of the perimeter wall began around 2022, and residents observed burials and the presence of clergy in 2024.
•Residents and community leaders including Namphueng Khamsaat and Saowaluck Panjaroen inspected the site on September 2, 2026.
•The Department of Provincial Administration notified on September 29, 2025, that the Minister of Interior did not accept the appeal for the permit due to a late filing.
•A representative of the operating company has exercised legal rights and the case is currently with the Rayong Administrative Court.
•Villagers express concern that if 1,200 burials occur, it may affect natural water sources, shrimp ponds, and fish ponds used for their livelihoods.
•The cemetery site is located near the Samet Tai Subdistrict Child Development Center, Ban Nong Sano School, and Ban Nong Sano Health Promoting Hospital.

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Key Entities

Place

New Jewish Cemetery(New Jewih Cemetery)

A site in Chachoengsao intended for the burial of Jewish deceased persons.

Chachoengsao(ฉะเชิงเทรา)ℹ️

The province where the disputed cemetery site is located.

Samet Tai Subdistrict(ต.เสม็ดใต้)

The subdistrict in Bang Khla District where the cemetery is situated.

Bang Khla District(อ.บางคล้า)ℹ️

The district in Chachoengsao province where the cemetery is located.

Samet Tai Subdistrict Child Development Center(ศูนย์พัฒนาเด็กเล็กตำบลเสม็ดใต้)

A child development center located near the cemetery site.

Ban Nong Sano School(โรงเรียนบ้านหนองโสน)

A school located in the vicinity of the cemetery.

Ban Nong Sano Health Promoting Hospital(รพ.สต.บ้านหนองโสน)

A health promoting hospital located near the cemetery.

Person

Namphueng Khamsaat(น้ำผึ้ง คำสะอาด)

The Kamnan of Samet Tai Subdistrict.

Saowaluck Panjaroen(เสาวลักษณ์ ปั้นเจริญ)

The Village Head of Moo 2, Samet Tai Subdistrict.

Kanlaya Srisawat(กัลยา ศรีสวัสดิ์)

The Village Head of Moo 5, Samet Tai Subdistrict.

Ekachai Sudnut(เอกชัย สุดนุช)

The Assistant Kamnan.

Lek(เล็ก)

A 70-year-old resident living adjacent to the cemetery site.

Maitree Traitilanan(ไมตรี ไตรติลานันท์)

The former Governor of Chachoengsao province.

Organization

Department of Provincial Administration(กรมการปกครอง)ℹ️

The government body that informed the result of the permit appeal.

Rayong Administrative Court(ศาลปกครองระยอง)

The court currently handling the legal process regarding the cemetery company.