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Phuket shop sign bars Israeli tourists, sparks debate

A Phuket shopkeeper has put up a sign barring Israeli tourists from entering, prompting a strong reaction on Thai social media after Phuket Times shared an image of it on Saturday, August 22.

According to a report from Naewna, the shop owner said the move followed a previous confrontation outside the business. The report did not identify the shop or give its precise location on the island.

Owner says sign is intended to prevent disputes

The shopkeeper said: "I was once verbally abused by Israelis in front of my shop. I cursed back that time, but my intention in putting up the sign is to prevent future problems arising from among #Israeli tourists."

Phuket Times had previously said it was preparing to submit a letter to authorities seeking an investigation into Israeli nationals at Patong beach. It cited alleged widespread dissatisfaction with what it called "arrogant" behaviour, including claims that locals had been chased away and outsiders barred from an area believed to have been acquired through nominee networks.

Online commenters call for wider action

After the image was posted, commenters backed the shopkeeper's decision. Some wrote that preventing problems early was the right approach, while others said they would do the same.

Other comments urged similar action across Phuket, with one saying shops should follow suit "until every shop in Phuket is affected". That comment said Thais should not allow foreigners to take advantage of or bully them, and should not welcome people with bad manners.

Several commenters called for Thai unity. Others said government agencies were weak and ordinary people had to protect themselves, while another said Phuket residents should unite because police, local administration and ISOC could not be relied upon.

One final comment urged people to "resist strongly", adding: "If you weaken, you will end up like the Palestinians."

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23 August 2026

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Captain Flack Star Member

Captain Flack

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Post breaking forum guidelines removed. @sungod

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Captain Flack Star Member

Captain Flack

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Post making unverified claims removed @Patong2021 rule 17.News articles are collected from recognised sources and may be consolidated or rewritten with AI assistance. Respectful discussion of the article content is welcome. Disrespectful comments about the articles, the use of AI, or the news team (e.g. “clickbait,” “slow news day,” mocking grammar, or AI taunts) are not permitted. Posts breaching this rule will be removed, and posting suspension or account closure may result.

Jingthing Legendary Member

Jingthing

Advanced Member
2 minutes ago, Purdey said:

I think the article specified Israelis (from one country), not Jews (from every country).

I call BS.

Do you think they intend to ban Christian Israelis?

Captain Flack Star Member

Captain Flack

Global Moderator

Off topic and troll posts removed

Nick Carter icp Star Member

Nick Carter icp

Advanced Member
(edited)

From the Phuket times :

Where the story originates from .

Phuket shop has a sign "Not accepting Jews" after their bad behavior. They clearly announced that they will not sell it to Israeli people after causing problems, challenging, chasing away people in the area. "I was scolded by L guys in front of the store. That time, I scolded back, but my intention is to prevent problems that will be encountered in the Jewish people group.

Edited by Nick Carter icp

Nick Carter icp Star Member

Nick Carter icp

Advanced Member

Just looking through the Phuket times and another news report :

"Phuket can't stand it anymore! Prepare to file an appointment for the inspection book Israel in Patong . The appointment to symbolically express that we don't want Jews "

And another which mentions eradicating criminals

780076468_1743284240254669_1644371938014003413_n.jpg

koolkarl Gold Member

koolkarl

Advanced Member

Israel brings in a lot of Thai workers, well, they should stop.

Gottfrid Star Member

Gottfrid

Advanced Member
On 8/23/2026 at 3:34 AM, Woke to Sounds said:

Israelis taking it from all corners these days.

I guess it's fashionable to hate on Jews again?

Has nothing to do with that. A comment like you just made, is done by a person who post first and think after.

It´s all about how you present yourself, how you behave and footprint you make in peoples minds. Let´s just say, they earned it big time!

khunjeff Gold Member

khunjeff

Advanced Member
23 hours ago, ronnie50 said:

If the shoe fits..regardless of how fashionable it is or isn't - sometimes you need to wear it.

I'm sure that sounded better in the original German.

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