Thailand Warns Israel Over Tourist Conduct and Demands Stricter Enforcement
Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow met with Israeli Ambassador Alona Fisher-Kamm to demand stricter handling of Israeli conduct after complaints in tourist hotspots.
Thailand has escalated its tone regarding Israeli citizens in the country following a series of recent incidents. Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow met with Israeli Ambassador Alona Fisher-Kamm to address growing concerns and demand more significant action from authorities.
Official Meeting and Context
According to the Thai newspaper "Matichon", the discussion focused on recent complaints surrounding the conduct of Israelis in Thailand, including tourists as well as long-term residents and business owners. Sihasak emphasized that anyone violating Thai law will face strict legal consequences regardless of their nationality. He noted that deportation orders had recently been issued against both an Israeli citizen and a French citizen, stressing that the measures are not exclusively targeted at Israelis.
However, a substantial part of the conversation specifically addressed the behavior of Israeli tourists. The Foreign Minister described receiving numerous complaints regarding actions that offend local sensitivities, culture, and the Thai way of life, particularly in areas with high concentrations of Israeli visitors such as Phuket and Phang Nga.
«Thailand welcomes tourists, but that does not mean tourists from any country can do whatever they want here. Anyone visiting Thailand must respect local culture and customs», Sihasak stated.
Warning and Proposed Solutions
Sihasak added that while Ambassador Fisher-Kamm was already aware of the issue and had taken steps, the Thai government expects a higher level of intervention. He warned that if the problem persists, it could potentially impact bilateral relations, reminding officials of the extensive cooperation between the two countries in agriculture and labor, including tens of thousands of Thai workers employed in the region.
During the meeting, Ambassador Fisher-Kamm proposed drafting a comprehensive "Dos and Don'ts" guide for Israeli travelers heading to Thailand. According to reports, these guidelines will be distributed through the embassy, tourism agencies, and airlines.
