Israeli Community in Pai Faces Immigration Scrutiny

[webfact]

 

Picture courtesy: Bangkok Post

 

The Immigration Bureau of Thailand has turned its attention to the activities of Israelis residing in Pai, a picturesque tourist hub in northern Thailand. Prompted by a series of local complaints, authorities aim to verify the visa and work permit status of Israeli nationals in Mae Hong Son province, following concerns over possible legal violations.

 

Pol Col Thanathorn Khamthiang, Deputy Commander of Immigration Division 3, confirmed that immigration officers have been directed to collaborate with local police to investigate these issues. This move seeks to ascertain whether any Israelis have overstayed their visas, undertaken unpermitted work, or breached other legal frameworks.

 

Pol Col Thanathorn emphasized the seriousness of the potential repercussions for those found infringing Thai law, particularly underlining that tourist visa holders are strictly prohibited from working.

 

In recent inquiries, no evidence of Israelis overstaying their visas surfaced. Typically, they hold 60-day visas with an option for a 30-day extension, allowing them a maximum stay of 90 days—adequate for most tourists, stated Pol Col Thanathorn.

There has been notable online chatter regarding the influx of Israelis in Pai. A circulating claim suggested that 30,000 Israelis entered Mae Hong Son last year. However, Pol Col Thanathorn clarified these figures, citing recent surveys indicating 1,200 to 1,500 Israeli visitors arrive per month, peaking at no more than 3,000 during the cooler months.

 

Recently, immigration authorities conducted an inspection at a community centre frequently used for Jewish gatherings. During this event, approximately 200 to 300 Israelis were present for prayers and meals. The inspection concluded with no legal violations detected.

 

Despite this, tensions in Pai have been heightened by several incidents involving Israeli nationals. Most notably, a group of four Israelis recently sparked public ire after vandalising the emergency room at Pai Hospital.

 

This incident occurred when they forced entry to visit a fellow Israeli injured in a motorcycle accident. Consequently, the culprits were fined ฿3,000 (about THB 3,000) each, had their tourist visas voided, and were deported back to Israel. Furthermore, they received lifetime bans from re-entering Thailand, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2025-02-21

 

 

[hotsun]

Ban israelis from the country. It wouldnt make a dent in the tourism revenue. Meanwhile, continue letting in chinese russians and indians that are turning the country into a literal toilet

[hotchilli]

6 hours ago, hotsun said:

Ban israelis from the country. It wouldnt make a dent in the tourism revenue. Meanwhile, continue letting in chinese russians and indians that are turning the country into a literal toilet

It already was, and toilets attract flies

[giddyup]

Now that the illegals have been tipped off they will find somewhere else to hide.

[newbee2022]

6 hours ago, webfact said:

they received lifetime bans

Thank you, right decision ❗

[Nick Carter icp]

18 minutes ago, giddyup said:

Now that the illegals have been tipped off they will find somewhere else to hide.

 

  30 000 Israelis are probably on the way to Pattaya as we speak ?

[Watawattana]

1 hour ago, Nick Carter icp said:

 

  30 000 Israelis are probably on the way to Pattaya as we speak ?

Which place in Pattaya sells the best bacon butties?

[Nick Carter icp]

2 minutes ago, Watawattana said:

Which place in Pattaya sells the best bacon butties?

 

   I don't know , why do you ask ?

[BritScot]

I hate seeing this anti israeli vile and disgusting vemon. These two lads have done nothing I would not have done as a young lad (even now). Friend hospitalised and prevented from seeing him to see if he is ok! Yes i would have pushed my way inside. Have the isreaeli people not suffered enough? They have been very, very restrained in their response, we in the west and America would have flattened the country on day one! Remember 9/11 and the response?