Thai Pesach cancelled over terror fears
THE 10-day Pesach retreat at the luxury JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort and Spa in Thailand has been cancelled over security concerns, according to organiser Lisa Mochkin.
THE 10-day Pesach retreat at the luxury JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort and Spa in Thailand has been cancelled over security concerns, according to organiser Lisa Mochkin.
The recently opened five-star resort, situated an hour’s drive north of Phuket airport, was to have been the setting for an international retreat catering to families from Australia, America, Israel and Europe.
“The hotel was concerned that having a large Jewish group there at Pesach would make them a target for a terror attack,” said Mochkin.
“The hotel had spoken to Thai police and considered upgrading its security, but also felt that because the Pesach event had been widely publicised and advertised worldwide, it should not go ahead.”
Mochkin, who had been planning the Pesach retreat for the past year, decided to cancel the event. “I never dreamed that it would end this way, but all the guests who had made bookings have been very understanding.”
According to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Smartraveller website, several explosions occurred on February 14 in Bangkok, where five people were injured, but no further incidents have been reported.
The website has an advisory urging visitors to Thailand to exercise a high degree of caution.
DANNY GOCS
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