A Phuket restaurant owner faced mixed reactions after posting videos of himself chasing an Israeli man from his restaurant while shouting "free Palestine." The incident, which occurred on March 9, has sparked debate online over the owner's decision to refuse service based on the man's nationality.
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The owner shared the encounter on Facebook, explaining he asked the man to leave upon noticing Hebrew on his phone. The videos show the owner instructing the Israeli tourist to "go away" and shouting "Free Palestine" as the man walked out.
The Israeli man, visibly dissatisfied but non-confrontational, filmed the restaurant as he left. Online, responses varied; some supported the owner's stance, while others criticized the escalation in a multicultural area like Phuket.
Supporters of the restaurant owner cited past reports of inappropriate behavior by Israeli tourists in Thailand. Meanwhile, critics warned against importing overseas political disputes into the country. The event comes on the heels of a March 6 incident involving an Israeli man allegedly assaulting a foreigner over Middle Eastern political tensions.
After that incident, the same Israeli individual reportedly displayed aggression towards a Thai police officer intervening. These events highlight ongoing tensions linked to international conflicts manifesting in Thailand.
Looking ahead, the divisive response underscores the need for awareness and sensitivity regarding diverse national backgrounds in tourist destinations like Phuket. Authorities may monitor such interactions to prevent further incidents, reported The Thaiger.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now · The Thaiger · 10 Mar 2026
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