Thailand Issues Stern Warning to Israelis Over Conduct

Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sihasak Phuangketkaew, delivered a strong message to Israel's Ambassador to Thailand, Alona Fisher-Kam, stating that while tourists are welcome, "tourists of any nationality cannot do whatever they please here." The warning comes amid a series of incidents involving Israeli nationals in the country, particularly in popular tourist areas like Phuket and Phang Nga, which have reportedly offended Thai sentiments, culture, and way of life.

Ambassador Fisher-Kam acknowledged the issue of Israeli behavior and proposed creating a "do's and don'ts" guide for Israeli travelers, to be distributed through the embassy and travel companies. However, the Thai minister emphasized that more intensive action from Israel was required. Following the meeting, the Thai Foreign Ministry released a statement, but Ambassador Fisher-Kam reportedly left immediately without speaking to the press, leaving the Thai minister to convey the government's position.

The meeting occurred just two days before a planned protest outside the Israeli embassy in Bangkok on September 10th, targeting what organizers call "grey foreign capital" and foreign businesses operating through Thai proxies, including Israelis, Chinese, and Russians.

A significant case fueling the tension involves Israeli businessman Yaakov Ohayon, a resident of Koh Samui. Ohayon was convicted for sending threatening messages to French national Kevin Dimino, who operates a zoo on the island where a Palestinian flag was displayed and an Israeli family was denied entry. Ohayon received a suspended 15-day sentence and a fine, but Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha also signed an order for his deportation, and he is currently in detention awaiting removal.

Adding to the complexity, Kevin Dimino was also arrested following a report that he attacked an Israeli tourist who had complained about animal treatment at his zoo. Dimino is reportedly under investigation and also faces potential deportation. These incidents highlight Bangkok's expectation that foreign tourists, including Israelis, respect local laws, culture, and lifestyle.