Police Probe Israeli Visitors on Phangan Over Business Concerns

File pictures courtesy of Khaosod 

Authorities have launched an investigation into allegations that Israeli nationals are operating businesses illegally on Koh Phangan, Surat Thani province, following complaints from local residents. The concerns center on foreigners extending stays beyond tourism, using nominee arrangements to run businesses and reportedly exhibiting disrespectful behaviour toward locals and other tourists.

Residents have begun referring to the island as a “second Tel Aviv,” drawing comparisons to Pai in Mae Hong Son province, which saw a surge in long-term Israeli residents establishing businesses and religious sites. The situation has sparked widespread online discussion, including posts on a “Save Koh Phangan” page and media coverage highlighting incidents such as an Israeli tourist refusing to remove her shoes in a shop, stating “my money build your country.”

On 10 October, Royal Thai Police Commissioner Pol. Gen. Kittirat Panphet ordered Region 8 Provincial Police to coordinate a fact-finding investigation and implement four policy measures. These include establishing a joint task force to examine foreign corporate land ownership, auditing financial and business documents, strengthening work permit enforcement with Immigration Police and the Ministry of Labour, and prosecuting offenders and any complicit officials.

Preliminary data indicates multiple arrests of Israeli nationals for offences such as operating car rental services without licenses, working beyond permitted scopes, conducting tour businesses illegally and acting as unlicensed tour guides. Koh Phangan District Chief Suriya Boonpanreported that as of 23 September 2025, 2,627 Israeli nationals had applied for visa extensions, including 2,125 short-term tourist visas and 502 long-term visas covering business, retirement, student, family and marriage categories.

Surat Thani Governor Teerut Supaviboonponl stressed the need to balance tourism with regulatory enforcement, noting that preliminary checks confirm some concerns but social media reports remain unverified. Immigration officials will scrutinize repeated visa extensions to detect unauthorised work or business activities. Authorities will also investigate nominee arrangements and property ownership across all nationalities, ensuring legal compliance with construction permits and land titles, including protection of public and conservation areas.

The investigation involves Region 8 Provincial Police, Immigration Police, Surat Thani governor’s office, the Land Department, the Department of Business Development and security agencies. Deputy governors have been appointed to oversee the working group, which will examine the entire province and not focus solely on Israeli nationals.

Key Takeaways

• Authorities are investigating Israeli nationals on Koh Phangan over alleged illegal business activities and visa violations.

• Over 2,600 Israeli nationals have applied for visa extensions in the area, prompting scrutiny of nominee arrangements and property ownership.

• Officials aim to balance tourism promotion with law enforcement, covering all nationalities and ensuring compliance with land and business regulations.

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  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-10-12