PHUKET, Thailand – A group calling itself the “Protect Phuket Homeland” group is preparing to stage a symbolic gathering in Patong on August 28, calling on tourists and foreign residents to respect Thai laws, local regulations and Phuket’s culture. The group met on Sunday, August 23, to prepare for the gathering, which is scheduled to take place from 2 p.m. at Loma Park on Patong Beach.
Organisers said the demonstration would call on tourists and foreigners living in Phuket, particularly Israeli nationals, to follow Thai law and coexist peacefully with local residents. The group said foreigners staying in Thailand should respect Thai culture, traditions and local ways of life, while avoiding behaviour that causes disturbances or inconvenience to residents and other visitors.
It also called for compliance with regulations in Patong, particularly rules intended to maintain public safety and order.
The planned gathering follows a series of complaints and online controversies involving foreign visitors in Phuket. The group said some incidents involving foreign tourists had caused frustration among local residents and prompted concerns over behaviour that allegedly failed to respect Thai laws and local rules.
The group stressed that its planned action would be a symbolic expression rather than an attempt to disrupt tourism, with its stated objective being to remind visitors and foreign residents that everyone staying in Thailand is subject to Thai law. The decision to hold the gathering comes amid heightened attention surrounding the behaviour of some Israeli tourists and foreign residents in Phuket.
A recent Patong dispute involving Israeli tourists and a tuk-tuk driver drew widespread attention online after dashcam footage of the confrontation was posted on social media. The driver alleged that an Israeli tourist verbally abused him, spat during the dispute and attempted to lift a concrete barrier. The incident began after an Australian couple had already hired the tuk-tuk and the Israeli family later sought to share the ride. No injuries, arrests or charges were reported in connection with that incident.
Separately, Thai authorities have recently expanded inspections of businesses in Phuket amid concerns over illegal foreign ownership structures and unlicensed operations. More than 360 businesses were reportedly placed under scrutiny, with officials stressing that the inspections focus on compliance with Thai law rather than targeting a particular nationality or religious community. The Phuket group said its August 28 gathering is intended to reinforce the principle that foreign visitors and residents should respect the country’s laws while living or travelling in Thailand.
Members of the group had also gathered at Patong Police Station on the evening of August 21 to submit a formal request for permission to hold the planned rally. Phuket MP Chalermpong Saengdee of the People’s Party was among those who joined the group in submitting the request. The group said the move was intended to ensure that the planned gathering and its activities are conducted in accordance with Thai law and relevant regulations. The gathering is scheduled for 2 p.m. on August 28 at Loma Park, Patong Beach, Phuket.
