Israeli Ambassador Urges Respect for Thai Customs Following Protests

by Tom Sinclair

ISRAEL’S ambassador to Thailand has called for closer cooperation to address tensions surrounding Israeli tourists, acknowledging concerns about visitor behaviour while warning against allowing the Middle East conflict to spill into Thailand.

Speaking to AFP at the Israeli embassy in Bangkok on Tuesday, September 15th, Ambassador Alona Fisher-Kamm said she believed Thailand remained a welcoming destination for Israelis despite recent demonstrations and disputes.

“We have to work together to make sure that the conflict in the Middle East is not imported here to Thailand,” she said.

Her comments follow protests outside the Israeli embassy in Bangkok and on Phuket, where a dinner marking Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, was cancelled over fears of violence.

Some demonstrators at a Bangkok rally led by prominent royalist activist Sondhi Limthongkul displayed signs targeting Jews, alongside complaints about the conduct of Israeli visitors.

Fisher-Kamm said she was reluctant to describe antisemitism as characteristic of Thai society, pointing to what she regarded as the country’s tolerance and hospitality.

However, she acknowledged that differences in expectations and behaviour had contributed to friction.

“I believe that there is a kind of culture gap between Israelis and Thais,” she told AFP, recognising that there had been cases of disrespect and misconduct.

To help address those concerns, the Israeli embassy has produced Hebrew-language guidance explaining appropriate conduct in Thailand. The material is being distributed through social media, airlines and travel agencies.

The ambassador also met Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow last week to discuss tensions and steps to reduce them.

Following that meeting, Sihasak made clear that Thailand’s openness to international visitors did not excuse inappropriate behaviour.

“Our welcome does not mean tourists , no matter what nationality they are , can do anything they want in Thailand,” he said.

He warned that failing to address the situation could affect bilateral relations, which also include an agreement allowing tens of thousands of Thai nationals to work in Israel, particularly in agriculture.

The controversy extends beyond complaints about tourists’ manners. Thai media have reported allegations involving foreign business activities, including the use of Thai nominees to evade restrictions on foreign ownership. Such allegations concern nationals of several countries.

Recent reports have also highlighted an allegedly unauthorised school on Koh Phangan and allegations that burials continued at a Jewish cemetery after its licence expired.

In a separate dispute on Koh Samui, a French zoo operator and his Thai wife barred Israeli visitors, blaming poor behaviour. Thai authorities subsequently ordered the Frenchman’s deportation, citing several issues, including concerns that his actions could inflame religious divisions.

Fisher-Kamm argued that some incidents involving Israelis were being amplified disproportionately and said social media activity was contributing to division between Israelis and Thais.

More than 420,000 Israelis visited Thailand last year, according to the AFP report. The country remains a popular destination for young Israelis travelling after completing compulsory military service.

The ambassador said many visitors were seeking distance from the conflict at home and praised Thailand’s people as welcoming.