Thai Poll Shows Overwhelming Support for Stricter Enforcement Against Israelis
A new public opinion poll in Thailand reveals significant public discontent with the behavior of Israeli tourists and residents, with nearly 78% of respondents favoring stricter law enforcement against them. The survey, conducted by NIDA Poll from September 8-10 among 1,410 eligible voters, found that 76.38% of participants had heard or seen reports of inappropriate conduct or law-breaking by Israelis in Thailand. Of those exposed to such reports, 71.22% cited disrespect for Thai law as a major issue, followed by impolite speech and disrespect for local culture.
The poll results emerge just days after hundreds protested outside the Israeli embassy in Bangkok, demanding increased enforcement against foreigners violating laws and calling for boycotts of Israel. Protesters also raised concerns about Israelis allegedly using Thai citizens as "nominees" to circumvent laws on land ownership and business operations, particularly in areas like Koh Phangan and Phuket.
When asked about potential measures, 77.49% of respondents who had encountered reports of problematic Israeli behavior supported stringent legal enforcement. Other suggestions included shortening the permitted stay for Israelis (45.45%) and closer involvement by the Israeli embassy in monitoring its citizens' conduct (38.49%). A notable 23.54% suggested the government should consider national security implications of expanding Israeli communities in certain areas.
In response to the growing criticism, Israel's Deputy Ambassador to Thailand, Rami Taplitzky, released a video in Thai acknowledging the concerns and emphasizing the embassy's cooperation with local authorities. He noted that the embassy has issued a code of conduct for Israeli tourists, urging respect for local culture and laws.
The tensions coincide with a rise in Israeli tourism to Thailand. Over 277,000 Israelis visited the country in the first eight months of 2026, a 7% increase from the previous year, contributing approximately $1.2 billion to Thailand's tourism revenue.
