Thailand Warns Israel Over Citizen Misconduct Threatening Ties

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.