Thailand warns Israeli ambassador over alleged misconduct in Phuket and Phang Nga

Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow has warned Israel’s ambassador that alleged lawbreaking and disruptive behaviour by some Israeli nationals could affect relations between the two countries.

Sihasak raised the concerns on 8 September during a meeting with Israeli Ambassador to Thailand Alona Fisher-Kamm. He said some Israelis in Thailand had allegedly violated Thai law while conducting business or staying in the country for extended periods.

He specifically identified Phuket and Phang Nga as areas where Israeli nationals had formed communities, saying the issue could not be ignored. He also said some tourists’ behaviour had affected Thai sensitivities, culture, traditions and ways of life.

Sihasak said Thailand would enforce its laws firmly against offenders, while stressing that the policy was not directed at Israelis specifically and would apply to foreign nationals of any nationality who break Thai law. He cited recent deportation orders involving one Israeli national and one French national as examples.

The minister said the ambassador was aware of the concerns and had visited affected areas to provide explanations, but added that the response needed to be strengthened. He said failure to address the problems could affect cooperation between Thailand and Israel, including in agriculture and labour. Thailand sends more than 60,000 workers to Israel, he said.

Fisher-Kamm proposed producing guidance for Israelis travelling to Thailand, explaining what visitors should and should not do. The material would be distributed through the Israeli embassy, consulates in capital cities, tour companies and airlines.

Sihasak said tourism was important to Thailand but should not be measured solely by revenue. Visitors, he said, must respect Thai laws, culture, dignity and national pride.