Patong police have not approved proposed Phuket forum targeting Israeli visitors

Patong police have not yet approved a permit for a proposed Phuket Land Protection Group gathering at Loma Park, also known as Dolphin Park, on 28 August, the police chief said.

The group has applied to hold the event from 2pm to 6pm and says about 500 people are expected to attend. Patong Police Chief Pol Col Korakrit Khanthakrue told The Phuket News on 24 August that police were still discussing the application.

The group describes the gathering as a symbolic expression of concern about what it calls inappropriate behaviour by some foreign tourists in Phuket, particularly Israelis. It is calling on foreign tourists and Israelis living in Phuket to obey Thai law, respect local culture and traditions, and avoid disturbing or inconveniencing residents and other visitors.

The group has said the event should be peaceful, without violence, and respect the law and the rights of others. It has invited Phuket residents and others concerned about the province to attend, describing the gathering as an effort to promote a safe, orderly and liveable Phuket.

The proposed event has also been promoted on Facebook by the Thailand Stand with Palestine group. Its post used the hashtags “Patong rejects Jews” and “Israel out” while promoting the same 28 August gathering.

Whether the event can proceed at Loma Park remains undecided while police consider the permit application.