Thailand warns foreign tourists of visa revocations after reported Phuket misconduct

Thailand has confirmed it may revoke the tourist visas of foreign visitors who cause trouble or act inappropriately, following reports of disruptive behaviour in Phuket and Koh Samui, Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul said.

Surasak said the ministry would coordinate with relevant agencies to take swift action against offenders. He stressed that Thailand welcomes visitors of all nationalities, but said tourists must respect Thai law and culture.

Reports described by officials have focused on groups of foreign tourists, particularly groups of Israeli tourists, whose alleged behaviour disrupted the two destinations. Officials said such conduct had affected the tourism atmosphere, safety and image of the local service sector.

Surasak said the government would not allow tourists to treat Thailand as a “playground” or use locations for symbolic displays connected to conflicts unrelated to the country. He described visa revocation before problems escalate as a preventative measure intended to protect the tourism industry’s image and reassure businesses and other visitors.

Separately, officials in Surat Thani are seeking the visa revocation and deportation of an Israeli businessman and a French national after a personal dispute on Koh Samui involving the display of a Palestinian flag at a tourist attraction. Security officials said the dispute created a perception that Israeli tourists were unwelcome on the island and warned against turning a personal disagreement into a wider religious or nationality-based conflict. A provincial committee is reviewing that case.