Chiang Mai & Israel's ambassador discuss tourism & Thai workers

Israel's ambassador to Thailand, Alona Fisher-Kamm, met Chiang Mai Deputy Governor Siwakorn Buapong on 17 September to discuss cooperation ranging from tourism and education to agriculture and Thai employment in Israel.

The meeting at Chiang Mai Provincial Hall was attended by provincial officials and Chiang Mai tourist police. Fisher-Kamm was welcomed by Siwakorn during the talks.

Discussions covered possible cooperation on the economy, academic exchanges, tourism, border security, technology, agriculture and cybersecurity. Both sides said closer cooperation could strengthen ties and exchanges between Israel and Chiang Mai.

Tourist support in Chiang Mai

Siwakorn said Chiang Mai continues to draw visitors from around the world, and that provincial authorities are ready to provide security and assistance to tourists and foreign residents of every nationality.

The ambassador thanked Chiang Mai authorities for the assistance and facilities provided to Israeli visitors and residents. She said the local Israeli community gathers regularly on Fridays and hoped tourism cooperation could be expanded.

Thai labour links with Israel

Fisher-Kamm said about 65,000 Thai workers are currently employed in Israel. She said their number has continued to rise despite the continuing Middle East conflict, adding that Thai workers there were safe and being looked after.

Israel has increased its annual quota for Thai agricultural workers from 16,000 to 18,000, according to the ambassador. The increase could be relevant to Thai people considering overseas agricultural employment, including those with families based in Chiang Mai and elsewhere in the North.

She said some current employment arrangements operate through business-to-business, or B2B, cooperation rather than a government-to-government, or G2G, agreement. A future G2G agreement could give Thai workers greater support and make employment arrangements easier, Fisher-Kamm said.

No timetable or further details for a possible G2G agreement were announced during the meeting.

Wider cooperation proposed

Siwakorn said Chiang Mai was willing to develop cooperation with Israel in a range of areas. The proposed subjects include technology, agriculture and cybersecurity, alongside education and tourism.

The talks did not set out specific projects or agreements. They nevertheless brought together provincial officials, tourist police and the Israeli embassy to explore broader links involving a province with an established Israeli community and large international visitor population.

Picture courtesy of Khaosod

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18 September 2026

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