Nearly all the Jews of Thailand live in Bangkok, the capital. The Jewish community is of recent origin. The first permanent Jewish settlers arrived in the 1920s, having fled from Soviet Russia. Their number was bolstered in the 1930s when refugees from central Europe made their way to Thailand. Most of these left the country at the end of World War II. However, in the 1950s and 1960s, a number of Jews settled in Thailand, and in 1966 a synagogue and community center were established. The Jews are a mixture of Sephardim from Syria and Lebanon and Ashkenazim from Europe, the United States, and Shanghai. There is also an Israeli presence. Many Jews are involved in trade and production of jewelry and precious stones.

In Bangkok there are three synagogues, one Ashkenazi-which also acts as the community center-one Sephardi, and the third and newest, a Chabad House, primarily catering to Jewish backpackers. The Ashkenazi synagogue has a resident rabbi and maintains a Sunday and nursery school. Classes for adults are offered in Hebrew and in English (the latter held after a biweekly barbecue). The Chabad House is noted for its communal seders and other holiday observances which are often attended by hundreds of travelers from all over the world. Kosher food is available, and there are several kosher eateries (including those attached to the synagogues).

Jewish Association of Thailand
121 Soi Sai Nam Thip 2
Sukhumvit Soi 22
Bangkok
Thailand
Tel: (662) 629 2770
Website: www.jewishthailand.com

Chabad of Thailand
96 Rambutttri Street
Banglamphu
Bangkok 102000
Thailand
Website: www.chabadthailand.com

Israel and Thailand enjoy full diplomatic relations.

Jewish Association of Thailand
21 Soichaisamarn, Soi 4 Nana South
Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok
Tel. 66 2 253 1638, Fax. 66 2 253 8371

Embassy
31 Soi Lang Suan
Ploenchit Road, Bangkok 10330
Tel. 66 2 2523-131, Fax 66 2 255 5260

For up to date information on Kosher restaurants and locations please see the Shamash Kosher Database