BANGKOK, Thailand – Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow met with Israeli Ambassador to Thailand Alona Fisher-Kamm to discuss law enforcement and tourist behavior, following reports of legal violations by foreign nationals in southern Thailand. During the talks, Thai officials addressed concerns regarding Israeli citizens residing long-term, operating businesses, or forming communities in tourist hubs such as Phuket and Phang Nga. Sihasak stated that domestic laws would be strictly enforced without discrimination, noting recent deportation orders involving an Israeli national and a French national as examples of legal compliance.
While emphasizing that Thailand remains open to foreign visitors, Sihasak highlighted the importance of respecting local laws and traditions to protect bilateral relations, which span sectors including agriculture and labor, with over 60,000 Thai workers currently in Israel. In response, the Israeli embassy agreed to coordinate on joint measures, including distributing do’s and don’ts guidelines for Israeli travelers through diplomatic channels, tour operators, and airlines. (TNA)
