Phuket probes Israeli restaurant over refused Thai service claims

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3 minutes ago, jacko45k said:

But we are in Thailand which shifts the balance!

Ahhhh the good old saving face.

Surely it's up to a restaurant owner who they should they want to serve . If there is a backlash about refusing service then it's up to them to face that or change their service ways .

It will either boost their business or ruin it !

Thinking about this if Thailand wants to enforce against discrimination against Thais and nothing about discrimination against non Thais (which is common for example at nightclubs for Japanese) then I think it's hypocritical but OK. It is their country and face it a lot of the attraction of Thailand for many people is it not being politically correct.

Post breaking forum rules removed @rwill

5 minutes ago, NorthernRyland said:

when it's your house you get to make the rules.

Exactly....so why the investigation.

4 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Officials are reviewing the restaurant's ownership arrangements, management practices and supporting documents. They will assess whether it is operating legally, including whether Thai nationals may have been used as nominees to conceal foreign control.

What does this have to do with the question of whether they're barring Thais from entry?

4 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Khetarat said businesses must serve customers equally regardless of nationality.

I don't know whether it's still the case, but most establishments on Soi Thaniya in Patpong used to have signs on the door saying "JAPANESE ONLY", and the authorities didn't seem to have any problem with that at all.

4 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

He also instructed officers to keep watch on establishments advertising mainly in Hebrew or appearing to target international visitors only.

There are literally thousands of businesses throughout the country targeted specifically at foreigners, advertising "mainly" (often solely) in Japanese, Korean, Russian, Arabic, and of course English. What makes Hebrew different?

4 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Authorities said the wider objective is to protect consumer rights and public confidence in Phuket's tourism industry.

Yes, Israeli restaurants are clearly the main barriers to public confidence in Phuket - not taxi and transportation scams, overloaded and poorly maintained boats, or local mafias - a very good choice of enforcement priorities 🙄

3 minutes ago, khunjeff said:

I don't know whether it's still the case, but most establishments on Soi Thaniya in Patpong used to have signs on the door saying "JAPANESE ONLY", and the authorities didn't seem to have any problem with that at all.

There used to be a hostess bar in Rayong near the Star Hotel. On the door it had JAPANESE written on the door but I don't remember there being the word ONLY. Very pretty women and different outfits depending on the day of the week.

Now I'm confused. This restaurant is acting against Thai law by refusing entry based on nationality, but in another case, that's perfectly legitimate? So, do the laws in Thailand not apply to everyone?

4 hours ago, simon43 said:

Lol, go to Srithanu on Koh Phangan! No English or Thai language on the big restaurant signage, just Hebrew. How do they get away with it? (When I ran small hotels on Phuket, the local authority visited to check my signs and that I had paid the small signage tax...)

My thoughts too- how can a foreigner own a restaurant here- I would welcome some education guys

Many years ago when I lived in Bangkok, I found the Japanese the worst, Around Sukhumvit 31 or 33 there was a few Japanese places, would have signs on the door, "Japanese Only" especially the Karaoke joints,

4 hours ago, jacko45k said:

Surprised Thais want to eat there, Thais eat a lot of pork and shellfish which Jews do not!

While my Jewish friends carefully observe pork and shellfish restrictions in their homes, restaurants are a different matter for many, especially non-orthodox. I've seen many a lobster and countless shimp disappear off their plates.

1 minute ago, 241195_1469957797 said:

Many Israeli tourists in certain parts of Thailand don't know how to behave, and the response is to refuse them entry. It's quite simple: behave like a guest in a country, and everything will be fine. But if you think it's okay as a foreigner to deny locals entry, even to your own establishment, then you're very narrow-minded.

I think laws must be obeyed by all nationalities and the law must apply equally to everyone.

1 hour ago, wensiensheng said:

Should we wait till they complete the check on whether any laws have been broken first?

not in the eyes of an anti-Semite

2 hours ago, Jingthing said:

Israeli food is OK but for the most part it's a variation of Arabic food.

Lebanese restaurants are usually better.

True enough, except there' s no such thing as "Israeli cuisine".

Rugelach - stolen from the Austrians

Bagel - stolen from the Austrians

Gefilte Fish - stolen from the Germans

Falafel - stolen from the Egyptians

Matzah balls - stolen from the Germans

Latkes - a massive fraud and copied from the German Reibekuchen.