Thailand targets Israeli visitor

Thailand is considering canceling the visa of a 33-year-old Israeli woman. The move targets her conduct on a popular island. Local authorities want to send a clear message to visitors.

The Special Committee for Reviewing the Behavior of Foreign Nationals on Koh Phangan made the recommendation on Thursday. The woman is Einav Ashuel. Police received two formal complaints against her. They alleged she threatened and abused hotel employees. They also claimed she mistreated tourists.

District officials detailed the specific incidents in a public statement. They said Ashuel visited Than Sadet National Park and a local hotel. During these visits, she used services without paying. Witnesses reported that she shouted and cursed at staff. She also insulted employees and threatened physical harm. The behavior drew attention from both workers and guests.

District Chief Paisit Thongcharoen chaired the review meeting on Thursday. Local police commanders attended the session. Representatives from immigration and tourist police were also present. Senior local officials joined the discussion. The committee decided to refer the case to immigration police. They will handle the next steps in the process.

Authorities have not yet confirmed if the visa has been officially revoked. They also have not stated whether Ashuel has left the country. Her side has not commented on the situation yet. The Israeli Foreign Ministry has also remained silent so far. The outcome remains pending as immigration processes the recommendation.

This case is part of a wider trend. It follows several other incidents involving Israeli nationals in Thailand. In late March, the same committee on Koh Phangan acted. They recommended revoking the visas of three Israelis. These individuals displayed Chabad Messiah flags on the island. They handed out leaflets and used WhatsApp groups. They invited people to Passover events on nearby Koh Tao. Officials said the activities worried residents and business owners. They feared a disruption to public order. A report on a Chabad website later said the three were deported.

Another incident occurred in September. Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul signed a deportation order. It targeted Israeli citizen Yaakov Ohayon. He had been convicted of making threats during a dispute at a zoo on Koh Samui. A court gave him a suspended 15-day prison sentence. He also paid a fine of 5,000 baht. A deportation order was later issued against the zoo's owner. He is a French citizen and was involved in the same dispute.

The stricter approach is not limited to Israeli visitors. In early April, the Koh Phangan district chief announced a crackdown. He said the visas of 13 foreign tourists had been revoked. This happened in the period before the announcement. The reason was inappropriate behavior. He stated that inspections and monitoring would continue. The goal is to protect the safety of both residents and visitors.

The Israeli Embassy in Bangkok also acted earlier this year. In May, they issued a special warning to travelers. This followed steps by authorities in Phuket province. Local officials there stepped up enforcement of local laws. The embassy noted that officials were told to impose stricter penalties. This includes visa revocation in serious cases. They urged Israelis in Thailand to follow local rules. This is to avoid legal or immigration issues.