"Keep the destination safe": Following the increase in violence against Israelis - an urgent appeal to Thai authorities
Following a series of incidents involving reports of violence, hostility, and refusal to provide service to Israeli tourists, an official appeal is being formulated by "Sawadi Club," a community of Thailand lovers in Israel, to tourism and government officials in Thailand. "In any case of inappropriate behavior, it must be handled fairly and firmly, according to the circumstances. However, this does not justify violence, hostility, or refusal to provide service to people belonging to an entire nationality."
"Sawadi Club," a community of Thailand lovers in Israel with over 3,600 registered members, is currently formulating an official appeal to the Tourism Authority of Thailand's representative office in Israel, requesting coordinated action following a series of events involving Israeli tourists. The letter being drafted, signed by the community's founder and director Pashush Morag, expresses concern over reports of hostility, discrimination, and physical violence against Israelis visiting the country.
Among the events noted in the letter is the incident at Samui Exotic Park, during which an Israeli family from Modiin was expelled from the premises and the father of the family was attacked, as well as the assault on a mother and her daughter in Koh Phangan by a foreign tourist after they identified themselves as Israelis. Additionally, the appeal mentions the Food Thai Pun Pun restaurant in Haad Rin, Koh Phangan, which posted signs stating that entry for Israeli tourists is prohibited. According to community members, this is a worrying example of sweeping exclusion based solely on nationality.
"We work to promote responsible tourism, cultural acquaintance, and respectful encounters with local communities in Thailand," the letter states. "For years, Thailand has been perceived by Israelis as a safe, welcoming, and especially beloved destination, and we are committed to helping preserve this special bond."
It was further clarified that the organization fully supports the enforcement of Thai law and expects every tourist from Israel to respect the laws of Thailand, its culture, and the local communities.
"In any case of inappropriate behavior, it must be handled fairly and firmly, according to the circumstances. However, this does not justify violence, hostility, or refusal to provide service to people belonging to an entire nationality. Political positions or criticism of any government cannot turn into threats or harm against tourists as private individuals."
In the official appeal, the organization's members request to raise the issue before the relevant government, tourism, and law enforcement authorities in the country, and to support the continued handling of cases in accordance with Thai law. Furthermore, they request to promote the publication of a clear statement that Thailand welcomes law-abiding visitors of any nationality and does not accept violence or sweeping exclusion based on nationality. The community also requests to work on creating a clear and accessible channel through which tourists can report threats, violence, or discriminatory treatment.
"We respect the authority and discretion of the Thai officials handling these cases and do not seek to intervene in any investigation or legal proceeding," the letter clarified. "Our goal is to help prevent further cases and maintain trust in Thailand as a safe, fair, and welcoming destination."
At the same time, the Israeli Ambassador to Thailand, Dr. Alona Fisher-Kamm, concluded an official visit yesterday to Surat Thani province, aimed at tightening security cooperation and ensuring the safety of Israeli travelers on the popular islands of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao. During the visit, the ambassador met with local police commanders and the provincial governor, where she raised the importance of direct coordination with the embassy, expressed appreciation for the law enforcement forces, and addressed frictions that sometimes receive increased resonance on social media, emphasizing that most travelers are law-abiding. In response, the governor clarified that the law is enforced equally toward all citizens and expressed great interest in tightening ties with Israel in the fields of trade, tourism, and agricultural innovation.
