Reality Star Bar Cohen Shocked by Israeli Tourist Behavior in Thailand

Israeli reality TV star and influencer Bar Cohen, known from "Big Brother," is vacationing in Thailand with her husband and two sons. While documenting her trip on Instagram, Cohen addressed the issue of Israeli tourists' behavior towards local service workers in Thailand.

Cohen expressed her surprise at reports of conflicts involving Israeli tourists, stating, "I don't understand how one can behave badly towards Thai people. They are so nice." She suggested that cultural differences and the stressful reality Israelis come from might contribute to these clashes, adding, "I think because we Israelis are not used to it, maybe it's hard for us to contain it, and maybe that's why there are fights. They are truly good people, I'm in shock."

She concluded her message by writing on her video, "I'm a bit shocked by the level of niceness, it really calms me down." Cohen even joked about relocating to Thailand, posting laughing emojis and suggesting, "Maybe I should live here."

Cohen's comments come amid a significant crisis in Thailand concerning Israeli tourists. Recently, hundreds of locals protested outside the Israeli embassy in Bangkok. This followed a poll indicating that 77% of Thais support stricter enforcement against Israelis. Israel's ambassador to Thailand, Dr. Orna Fisher-Kam, acknowledged the problem, describing tourists who are loud and confrontational, feeling that "everything is permitted for them."

The tension is exacerbated by a reported 40% increase in Israeli tourists to Thailand between 2024 and 2025, intensifying daily friction.