PATTAYA, Thailand – A wave of concern is emerging over the growing presence of Israeli nationals on Koh Phangan, as locals report widespread issues ranging from environmental damage to violations of Thai law. Allegations suggest that some foreigners have been buying land, building houses, operating businesses, and flouting local regulations, prompting fears that Koh Phangan is increasingly becoming a “Tel Aviv Branch 2.”
Residents of Koh Phangan, particularly in areas like Ban Sri Thanu, Hin Kong, and Chalok Lam, have voiced growing concerns about the scale of the settlement, noting that hundreds of Israeli nationals have established long-term residences, effectively taking control of prime land including beachfront plots and forested areas adjacent to national parks. Reports indicate these settlers have engaged in activities such as illegal construction, deforestation, and bribery of local officials.
Some of the settlers are reportedly former or active military personnel, who have used Koh Phangan as a place for leisure and recovery. Locals have also noted instances of disrespectful behavior, such as disputes over payments and repeated breaches of community rules.
In Ban Sri Thanu, the Israeli presence has grown into a micro-community complete with a Chabad Jewish center that functions as a cultural hub, offering religious services and social support. The area also hosts Israel-focused tour operators, schools with predominantly Israeli students, and residential complexes catering mainly to Israeli citizens.
Local authorities have confirmed increasing legal issues connected to the Israeli community. From 2023 to 2025, police reports list 20 cases involving Israeli nationals, including working without permits, overstaying visas, operating unauthorized businesses, theft, drug-related offenses, assault, use of counterfeit currency, and contempt of officials. Notable cases in 2025 involved operating unlicensed childcare facilities, unauthorized tourism services, and illegal car rental businesses.
The provincial administration has responded by forming a special task force on October 10, comprising the Department of Land, Department of Business Development, regional police, immigration authorities, and security agencies. The task force focuses on four key areas:
- Verifying land ownership by foreign entities and checking for potential legal loopholes.
- Tracking financial transactions and company documents to identify true ownership.
- Enforcing work permit regulations in coordination with the Ministry of Labor to prevent illegal employment.
- Strictly prosecuting offenders, including collaborators or officials involved in illegal activities.
Additional measures include monitoring new investment groups, financial flows, tourism businesses, shareholder networks, and coordination with regional security agencies. Current estimates indicate around 2,000 Israeli nationals reside on Koh Phangan, with roughly 500 staying long-term and engaged in business activities, including real estate, car rentals, and company operations. Investigations into the legality of their activities are ongoing.
Surat Thani Governor Theerut Supaviboolpol has emphasized the role of local authorities in monitoring foreign land ownership and ensuring compliance with Thai law. Meanwhile, Police Lieutenant General Sitthichai Lokanphai, Regional Police Commander of Southern Thailand, has vowed strict enforcement against any foreigners attempting illegal activities across seven southern provinces. “Good people live comfortably and safely, but criminals will find it difficult anywhere,” he said.
Deputy Police Commander of Region 8, Pol. Col. Saranyu Chamnanchai, confirmed that authorities have already targeted foreign-owned businesses that attempted to bypass Thai law through nominee Thai shareholders, ensuring that foreign ownership is properly regulated.
Officials note that this issue is not entirely new. Similar tensions arose in Pai, Mae Hong Son, highlighting the challenges posed by free visa policies and the impact of long-term foreign settlement on local communities. Authorities continue to stress that all foreign nationals must comply with Thai law, and ongoing investigations aim to curb further illegal encroachment while safeguarding the rights and environment of the local population.
