Thailand Warns Israel Over Citizen Misconduct Threatening Ties
Translated & summarized from Behadrei Haredim by baba
Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister warned Israel's ambassador that ongoing misconduct by Israeli citizens could harm diplomatic relations, citing recent deportations and cultural offenses. The Israeli embassy stated it works with Thai authorities to promote respect for local laws and customs among tourists.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Thailand warned Israel over citizen misconduct impacting diplomatic ties.
- Deputy PM cited improper conduct and cultural offenses by Israelis.
- Deportations of Israeli and French citizens were mentioned.
- Negative media reports and calls to limit Israeli stays were noted.
- Israel's ambassador stressed cooperation on respecting local customs.
Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sihasak Phuangketkaew, delivered an unusual message to Israel's Ambassador to Thailand, Alona Fisher-Kamm, warning that continued "improper conduct" by Israeli citizens could damage diplomatic relations between the two countries. Phuangketkaew stated that authorities would strictly enforce laws against foreigners who break them, citing recent deportation orders against an Israeli and a French national as examples. He noted that certain incidents had offended local sensitivities, culture, and the residents' way of life.
The meeting, reported by Ynet, occurred amid a series of incidents involving Israelis, anti-Israel protests in Bangkok and Phuket, and frequent negative media reports in Thailand. Some local residents have even called for limiting the allowed stay for Israelis to just 15 days. The Israeli embassy, however, pointed out that some negative publications were inaccurate or mistakenly attributed to Israelis when committed by tourists from other countries.
Ambassador Fisher-Kamm responded that Israeli tourists come to relax and escape tensions, not to bring them along. She emphasized that the embassy collaborates with Thai authorities on campaigns encouraging tourists to respect local laws, customs, and host communities.
