Israeli Tourism to Pai Plummets Amid False Rumours

[webfact]

Pai. File photo.

 

In northwestern Thailand's tranquil Pai, unsettling rumours have led to a notable dip in Israeli tourism, stirring palpable concerns in the local industry. Renowned for its stunning landscapes and rich temple heritage, Pai, nestled in Mae Hong Son province, relies heavily on visitors for economic sustenance. However, misinformation regarding a significant influx of Israelis has overshadowed this picturesque town.

 

In February, social media rumours falsely claimed that 30,000 Israelis were establishing a new "promised land" in Pai, fleeing ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel.

 

The Thai government quickly quashed these reports, clarifying that the 30,000 figure encompassed Israeli visitors throughout the entire year, not new residents.

 

Tourism, a vital pillar supporting roughly 20% of Thailand's GDP, is yet again meeting a hurdle with these persistent rumours. As Thailand seeks economic recovery post-pandemic, the threat to tourist numbers poses genuine concerns.

 

Consequently, apprehension among potential Israeli visitors, fearing negative local reactions, has affected both hotel and shop revenues.

 

 

 

A hotel staff member noted a 50% decrease in Israeli guests in February compared to the previous year. Similarly, a tea vendor reported a daily sale decline from 3,000 baht (£69) to merely 500 baht (£11). With an estimated 80% to 90% of Pai’s residents involved in tourism, the downturn is palpable.

 

Interestingly, despite the current turbulence, British tourists still represent a larger contingent in Pai than Israelis. However, the smear campaign's focus on Israelis appears tied to broader geopolitical tensions, as Israel grapples with its ongoing conflict.

 

The misinformation is seen as an offshoot of these dynamics, not least because of a February incident where four Israelis vandalised a local hospital, leading to their subsequent deportation.

 

Thailand's relationship with Israel is nuanced, steeped in economic exchanges, especially in labour. In 2022, Thais comprised over 20% of Israel's foreign workforce.

 

Moreover, the tragic events of 7 October 2023, when Hamas's assault resulted in Thai worker casualties and hostages, have intensified Thai-Israeli interest and concern. Yet, unlike some Muslim-majority neighbours, Thailand maintains a moderate stance toward Israel.

 

Despite the current unease, Pai remains a town founded on hospitality. Local leaders reaffirm their welcoming stance toward visitors of all nationalities and distances themselves from the rumour-mongering. “We hold no animosity toward Israeli guests,” a local representative asserted, encouraging potential visitors not to be dissuaded by baseless claims, reported Nikkei Asia.

 

-- 2025-03-24

 

 

[Tropicalevo]

Be careful what you wish for you anti-Semitic 'concerned netizens'.

The media should bear some responsibility here as well.

[Harrisfan]

Don't worry. I will be there in June for 1 hour before driving on. You wrecked the joint!

[KireB]

Too smoggy anyway

[factual monk]

More cheaper and better places in SE Asia... than Thailand and many are moving on to these new places... especially Vietnam, Malaysia 

[Coxy]

You can’t have it both ways, you complain when they are there and now they have left you are crying

[Harrisfan]

13 minutes ago, factual monk said:

More cheaper and better places in SE Asia... than Thailand and many are moving on to these new places... especially Vietnam, Malaysia 

Thai tourism is more than those combined. 

[hotchilli]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

In northwestern Thailand's tranquil Pai,

Past tense

[hotchilli]

3 hours ago, Harrisfan said:

Don't worry. I will be there in June for 1 hour before driving on. You wrecked the joint!

Got a friend who lives in Lopburi who had land up their to build a place for retirement.

After recent visits they've decided to sell the land.

They say the place is ruined, not just by tourists but profit seeking greedy locals.

[black tabby12345]

23 minutes ago, factual monk said:

More cheaper and better places in SE Asia... than Thailand and many are moving on to these new places... especially Vietnam, Malaysia 

 

Malaysia, certainly No Cheaper than here.

A lot more expensive.

[Nick Carter icp]

4 hours ago, Harrisfan said:

Don't worry. I will be there in June for 1 hour before driving on. You wrecked the joint!

 

  Where to ?

Sappong ? 

[Harrisfan]

340 baht with pool 1 hour north of Pai. The dead<deleted>s won't be there.

[Harrisfan]

1 minute ago, Nick Carter icp said:

 

  Where to ?

Sappong ? 

Pang Mapha 

[Nick Carter icp]

1 minute ago, Harrisfan said:

Pang Mapha 

 

   Sappong is in Pang Mapha .

Sapong is sometimes also called Pang Mapha

1 hour away from Pai 

[Harrisfan]

1 minute ago, Nick Carter icp said:

 

   Sappong is in Pang Mapha .

Sapong is sometimes also called Pang Mapha

1 hour away from Pai 

Sappong is the old name.

[Nick Carter icp]

9 minutes ago, BMW Overlander said:

The best thing that ever happened to Pai. Israeli tourists are some of the worst on planet.

 

  Pai people are now complaining that all the Israelis have gone though

Maybe they are all moving en masse to Phuket ?

[khunjeff]

27 minutes ago, Coxy said:

You can’t have it both ways, you complain when they are there and now they have left you are crying

 

That's the perpetual Thai response to tourism in general.

[Harrisfan]

2 minutes ago, khunjeff said:

 

That's the perpetual Thai response to tourism in general.

They want numbers but not morons. Large numbers bring morons.

[Eloquent pilgrim]

20 minutes ago, BMW Overlander said:

The best thing that ever happened to Pai. Israeli tourists are some of the worst on planet.

 

You have obviously never met any tourists from Russia, China, Kuwait, Nigeria, India, UAE, Pakistan, or Saudi Arabia.

 

 

[Nick Carter icp]

6 minutes ago, Harrisfan said:

Sappong is the old name.

 

  I don't suppose that you would be visiting a Woman with like 12 sisters and 2 Brothers ? Lisu hill tribe ?

[alex8912]

Entire article based on complete bs, like someone is actually knowing the complete numbers of Israeli's in Pai this year compared to last year or any year. Just like the bs 30,000 figure. 

[Harrisfan]

Just now, Nick Carter icp said:

 

  I don't suppose that you would be visiting a Woman with like 12 sisters and 2 Brothers ? Lisu hill tribe ?

Sounds kinky. Wouldnt so no.

[PomPolo]

They banned them out of all the local businesses what did they expect? TIT

[Harrisfan]

10 minutes ago, Eloquent pilgrim said:

 

You have obviously never met any tourists from Russia, China, Kuwait, Nigeria, India, UAE, Pakistan, or Saudi Arabia.

 

 

UK, France.

[MalcolmB]

43 minutes ago, Coxy said:

You can’t have it both ways, you complain when they are there and now they have left you are crying

They aren’t. 
 

It is different Thai people who are complaining (a few business owners). Probably the staff on fixed wages who bore the brunt of it will be quietly happy as will the nurses at the hospitals etc.

 

It was on my “not to go list” but is now off it.

Head up after songkran.

And I will be on my best behavior and try and repair some of the damage done.

[Eloquent pilgrim]

4 minutes ago, Harrisfan said:

UK, France.

 

US, Germany, Australia, Switzerland, Sweden.

 

 

[Thumbs]

Can't make this stuff up, one minute they are posting signs stating Israeli citizens are not welcome, then they complain that Israelis aren't visiting the area

[MalcolmB]

1 hour ago, factual monk said:

More cheaper and better places in SE Asia... than Thailand and many are moving on to these new places... especially Vietnam, Malaysia 

Been to both a few times.

You can have your cheaper.

You get what you pay for.

 

[MalcolmB]

Just now, Thumbs said:

Can't make this stuff up, one minute they are posting signs stating Israeli citizens are not welcome, then they complain that Israelis aren't visiting the area

Different people.

I doubt the Thais who posted the signs are complaining now. 
Not all Thais are the same, think the same, are in the same business/position. 
Business owners can serve who they want.

[MalcolmB]

43 minutes ago, black tabby12345 said:

 

Malaysia, certainly No Cheaper than here.

A lot more expensive.

It isn’t better either.