UPDATE: Patong protest urges respect for Thai law as residents seek 15-day limit on Israeli visas

The Protect Phuket Land group held a rally and discussion forum at Loma Park in Patong, Phuket, calling on foreigners to respect Thai law, culture, traditions and the local way of life.

The event began at 2pm and was attended by local residents, business operators and others who said they had been affected by tourism-related problems. Promotional material circulated before the gathering said about 500 people were expected to attend.

Khaosod reported that Phuket residents urged the government to limit Israeli nationals’ visas to 15 days. The proposal was attributed to those residents in the report, while Protect Phuket Land organisers said their campaign was not intended to generalise about all foreigners.

Organisers said the protest focused on concerns about the behaviour of some foreign tourists and the impact of some foreign business interests on local communities. They said it addressed cases involving individuals or businesses they believed had failed to respect Thai law or had affected local residents.

The group called for laws to be enforced fairly and more strictly. The protest follows growing public discussion in Phuket about the behaviour of some foreign visitors and residents, as well as concerns about foreign involvement in local businesses.