UPDATE: Phuket phone shop owner reports confrontation with Israeli couple over Palestinian flag
CCTV footage of a 24 August 2026 dispute at Ban Rak Mobile was posted online, while reports differ over whether the Palestinian flag was displayed inside or outside the shop.
A mobile phone shop owner in Phuket said he was confronted by an Israeli couple on 24 August 2026 after they noticed a flag described by Khaosod English as a “Free Palestine” flag. The incident took place at Ban Rak Mobile, a mobile phone sales and repair shop, and the heated exchange was later shared widely online, Khaosod English reported.
The Thaiger reported that CCTV footage of the incident was posted on social media on 24 August. It said the couple had entered the shop to ask about a phone accessory, but the owner, later identified as Korn, told them it was out of stock and that he was waiting for a new shipment. As they were leaving, the woman reportedly noticed the flag near a plant pot and the front door and raised the matter with Korn. The footage reportedly shows him repeatedly shouting at the couple. She then shouted “F*ck Palestine!”, while Korn responded, “Stupid people! Stupid people!” He followed the couple as they left and shouted further insults, according to The Thaiger.
Reports differ over the flag’s precise location. Khaosod English said it was displayed outside the store, while The Thaiger said it was displayed in the shop, with Korn describing it as placed near a plant pot and on the front door.
Speaking to One 31, according to The Thaiger, Korn said he had the right to display the flag because he paid taxes. He said it was not intended to express hatred towards Jewish or Israeli people or to support a particular side, but to raise awareness of innocent civilian lives lost in the conflict. He described his position as humanitarian rather than religious and said tourists visiting Thailand should respect Thai law, culture and the rights of Thai people.
