Thailand Warns Israel Over Tourist and Business Conduct

Thailand has escalated concerns over the behavior of Israeli tourists and business practices to the diplomatic level, warning that unresolved issues could strain bilateral relations. Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow met with Israeli Ambassador Alona Fisher-Kamm on September 8 to convey these concerns. The issues, previously confined to isolated incidents and business checks, now involve direct diplomatic engagement.

Bangkok distinguishes between two main problem areas: foreigners residing and operating businesses in Thailand who may violate local regulations, and the conduct of some tourists. Sihasak emphasized that while Thailand remains open to visitors, tourist status does not exempt individuals from adhering to Thai laws and customs. He urged Israel to proactively inform its citizens about these rules, with the ambassador suggesting information dissemination through diplomatic missions, travel agencies, and airlines.

This diplomatic engagement follows a September 2 meeting where Thai consular officials discussed similar concerns with the Israeli ambassador. A significant focus is on foreign business operations, particularly on islands like Koh Phangan. In May, an illegal school operating with 89 Israeli children, far exceeding its permit, was discovered there, leading to nine arrests. Israelis are substantial investors on Koh Phangan, linked to 720 out of 3,213 foreign-invested companies, approximately 22%.

Concerns arise when Thai citizens allegedly act as nominal owners, enabling foreigners to circumvent restrictions on land ownership or specific business sectors. In August, authorities investigated 19 companies with Israeli ties, and hotel businesses on Koh Samui with assets exceeding 2 billion baht are also under scrutiny.

While Thailand is investigating similar schemes involving other nationalities, including Russians and Chinese, the Israeli issue has gained particular political traction. On August 28, about 150 people protested in Patong, Phuket, ostensibly about foreigners respecting Thai laws, but with a significant focus on Israelis. Proposals included reducing the visa-free stay for Israelis to 15 days. The protest saw anti-Israeli sentiment, with one organizer referencing a "flood of Jews" and linking the situation to the Gaza conflict.

A follow-up demonstration is planned for September 10 outside the Israeli Embassy in Bangkok, organized by the movement Take Back Our Thailand, which targets foreign "grey capital" broadly but chose the Israeli embassy for its initial major action. Bangkok police are preparing security measures.