UPDATE: Patong tour worker speaks after video of clash with Israeli family

A 24-year-old tour-counter worker in Patong has spoken out after a video showing him arguing with an Israeli family and telling them to leave the area spread on social media, Khaosod English reported on 24 August 2026.

The incident took place in front of a tour counter in Patong, in Kathu district, Phuket. The Thaiger reported that the Phuket Times Facebook page shared the video on 23 August 2026 and that it subsequently went viral. The date and time of the incident were not reported. The reports did not identify the worker or any member of the family by name.

According to The Thaiger, the exchange followed the worker’s display of a Palestinian flag at the travel agency. He said two Palestinian tourists had visited to book a rafting package, and that a friend suggested displaying the flag to attract more Palestinian customers and make them feel welcome.

The Thaiger reported that the Israeli family was visiting a nearby shop to buy clothes when one of the children noticed the flag. The worker said the group stood and stared at him, prompting him to ask what had happened. One man, whom he believed to be the father, allegedly asked whether he supported Palestine. The worker said he explained that the flag was intended to attract Palestinian customers, after which the man allegedly responded, “Free Israel”.

In the footage, the 24-year-old Thai employee is seen waving a Palestinian flag and repeatedly shouting, “Free Palestine!” He also uses vulgar language in Thai and English. At the end of the video, he can be heard saying, “This is my land. This is Thailand, not your land!” The Israeli group waves at him and appears to shout something back, although the words cannot be heard clearly. Some children are also seen sticking out their tongues at him, The Thaiger reported.

The worker said he had never opposed Israeli tourists and had not previously expressed an opinion on the conflict between Israel and Palestine, which he considered unrelated to his personal life. He said he reacted as shown because he was disturbed by the group’s behaviour.

The video drew divided reactions among Thai social media users, The Thaiger reported. Some praised the worker’s response, while others said it could contribute to further tension between Israeli visitors and Thai residents in the area.