Thai foreign minister urges Israeli nationals to obey laws after Phuket incidents
Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow told Israel’s ambassador that Israeli nationals must follow Thai law and respect local customs after tensions in Phuket and other tourist destinations.
Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sihasak Phuangketkeow, has urged Israeli nationals to obey Thai laws and respect local customs following a series of incidents in Phuket and other tourist destinations.
Sihasak delivered the warning during a meeting with Israel’s ambassador to Thailand, Dr Alona Fisher-Kamm, on Tuesday, 8 September 2026. He described the discussion as a “frank, straight-to-the-point conversation” and said the incidents had caused concern among Thai people.
The minister distinguished between Israeli nationals running businesses in Thailand and tourists whose conduct has caused local tensions. He said businesses found to have broken Thai law would face enforcement, stressing that the same rules applied to foreigners of every nationality.
Sihasak also said some Israeli tourists and long-stay visitors had behaved in ways that conflicted with Thai culture, traditions and community life, particularly in Phuket and Pattaya. “Thailand is a country that welcomes tourists, but our hospitality does not mean that visitors, whatever their nationality, can do as they please here,” he said.
The meeting followed months of tension involving Israeli visitors and expatriates in Phuket, Pattaya, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Pai. The source also reported a dispute in Koh Samui involving an Israeli restaurant owner and a French zoo operator, which escalated online and led Thai authorities to move to revoke both men’s visas and deport them.
Fisher-Kamm acknowledged the concerns and said the Israeli embassy was distributing guidance to travellers. Sihasak called for a stronger response to prevent the disputes from damaging relations between Thailand and Israel.
