Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow has asked Israeli ambassador Alona Fisher-Kamm to take stronger steps to ensure Israeli visitors respect Thai culture and traditions, warning that continuing problems could affect bilateral relations.
Sihasak, who is also a deputy prime minister, raised the issue during what he later described as a frank meeting at the Foreign Ministry on Tuesday 8 September. The discussion focused on Thai concerns over incidents involving Israeli nationals living in Thailand, including tourists and people running businesses.
He said some Israelis operating businesses for extended periods had broken Thai law, as reported in the media. Thai authorities would apply the law strictly, he said, and this was not discrimination against Israelis.
"Anyone, regardless of nationality, who violates Thai law must face strict enforcement," Sihasak said, referring to deportation orders issued against an Israeli national and a French national.
Respect for local communities
The minister said officials were particularly concerned about behaviour by Israeli tourists on both short- and long-stay visas in Phangnga and Phuket, where sizeable Israeli communities are located.
He said Thailand welcomed visitors, but this did not mean tourists of any nationality could behave as they wished. Visitors should respect Thai culture, traditions and local ways of life, just as Thai travellers are expected to respect the values of countries they visit.
Sihasak stressed that alleged misconduct should not be used to judge all Israelis. Ambassador Fisher-Kamm was aware of the problems and the Israeli embassy had sent officials to affected areas, he said, but further and stricter measures were needed.
Fisher-Kamm suggested producing and distributing guidance on what Israeli visitors should and should not do in Thailand. It could be circulated through the embassy, consulates, tour operators and airlines.
Deportation orders follow Samui dispute
Israeli national Yaacov, or Jacob, Ohayon became the first foreigner ordered to leave Thailand under revised deportation rules approved by the cabinet last month. He received a suspended 15-day jail sentence and a 5,000-baht fine for causing fear or panic through threats.
The case followed a confrontation at Samui Exotic Park after its owners, a Thai woman and her French husband, displayed a "Free Palestine" sign. The Interior Ministry said Ohayon posted threats and organised an online campaign of one-star reviews against the Koh Samui business.
The government on Monday also ordered the deportation of co-owner Kevin Dimino, citing threatening, harassing and physically abusive behaviour during an altercation with an Israeli family. Dimino said Ohayon had "started the story". Both men have seven days to appeal.
Sihasak said tourism was important beyond revenue because it strengthened people-to-people ties. Thailand and Israel cooperate in areas including agriculture and labour, with more than 60,000 Thai workers employed in Israel.
Related story
Israel-envoy-discusses-disinformation-with-Thai-police
Join the discussion? 
9 September 2026
Recommended Comments
Create an account or sign in to comment