Israel Embassy in Bangkok Responds to Growing Anti-Israel Protests

Protests against Israelis in Thailand escalated on Thursday with demonstrators gathering outside the Israeli Embassy in Bangkok, holding signs with sharp anti-Israel messages and protesting the behavior of Israeli nationals in the country. The embassy was temporarily closed.

In response, Deputy Ambassador Rami Tapplitzy released an unusual video in Thai, assuring the public that the embassy takes reports and concerns about Israeli tourists seriously. Some protest signs were particularly harsh, with one reading "Israelis, respect the Thai people," another stating, "You Jews do not understand Thai culture, so leave," and one displaying a crossed-out Israeli flag with the message "Boycott Israel." Another sign declared, "Thailand is not for sale."

The demonstration was led by Sonthi Limthongkul, a leader of the "Yellow Shirts" protest movement, along with other nationalist activists under the slogan "Take Back Our Thailand." The protesters waved Thai flags and carried signs.

Reports indicated that protest organizers were informed around 10:15 AM that no staff were present at the embassy that day and that a meeting with Ambassador Alona Fisher-Kham could be arranged later. Sonthi rejected this, stating the protest was a public matter, not a personal one.

Beyond criticism of tourist behavior, protesters also raised concerns about Israelis allegedly using Thai citizens as fronts ("nominees") to operate businesses and hold property and land in violation of local law, particularly in locations like Koh Phangan and Phuket. They urged authorities to increase oversight and enforcement against suspected shell companies.

The embassy later released Tapplitzy's video, noting potential pronunciation errors but emphasizing his determination to deliver the message personally in Thai. The embassy stated it is cooperating with Thai authorities and has issued a code of conduct for Israeli visitors, urging them to respect local culture and laws.

This unusual public address in Thai follows a warning from Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai to Ambassador Fisher-Kham two days prior. He cautioned that misconduct by Israeli citizens could damage bilateral relations, citing complaints about Israelis residing or conducting business in the country, as well as incidents involving tourists. He stressed that while enforcement would apply to all foreign nationals, certain incidents involving Israelis had offended local sensitivities, culture, and lifestyles.