Surat Thani, Thailand– In a bid to ease mounting frictions between locals and a surge of Israeli visitors, Surat Thani Governor Teeruth Supawiboonpol met with the Israeli Ambassador on Thursday to discuss concerns over illegal activities and ensure equitable treatment for all tourists.
The closed-door talks, held amid escalating complaints on Koh Phangan and Koh Samui, focused on reports of Israeli nationals flouting visa rules, operating unlicensed businesses like exclusive villas and tour agencies, and acquiring land through Thai proxies—practices that have sparked petitions from over 200 residents and business owners. Thai media outlets highlighted recent arrests, such as a 22-year-old Israeli fugitive detained at Koh Samui Airport on November 3rd for a violent crime back home that we covered here.
Israeli tourist arrivals have skyrocketed 57% year-over-year, reaching 300,000 from January to September, fueling economic gains but also cultural clashes like queue-jumping and property disputes. The ambassador, who earlier this year visited northern Thailand to apologize for isolated incidents, reaffirmed commitments to better conduct and build cooperation on Chabad center inspections, where security restrictions had previously allegedly barred Thai police.
Governor Supawiboonpol stressed Thailand’s welcoming ethos, stating the dialogue aims to “balance tourism’s benefits with community harmony.” Officials anticipate joint awareness campaigns to curb misconduct while safeguarding against rising anti-Israel sentiment online.
