Phuket –
Authorities have dismissed circulating rumors alleging that Israeli tourists seized control of a public beach in Phuket and attempted to drive away Thai visitors. The Provincial Public Relations Office confirmed the claims were false after coordinating with local police and relevant agencies to investigate the matter.
Officials clarified that the beach in question remains a public area, accessible to both residents and tourists under Thai law. No individuals or groups have attempted to claim ownership or declare the site private, contrary to what was suggested in online reports.
The misunderstanding stemmed from a moment when a group of foreign tourists was filming aircraft takeoffs and landings near the beach. In their effort to capture the footage without obstruction, they asked nearby people not to block the camera during critical seconds. Authorities stated that this request was purely related to filming and not an assertion of territorial rights and that the tourists never claimed they owned the beach.
The incident shows how quickly misinterpretations can spread online, particularly when linked to sensitive issues of public space and tourism. Officials urged the public to verify information with credible sources before sharing, noting that Phuket’s beaches remain open and welcoming to all.
