KOH PHANGAN — Thai authorities have launched an investigation into allegations that Israeli nationals are illegally operating businesses on Koh Phangan after local residents raised concerns about long-term foreign presence on the tourist island in Surat Thani province.
Local residents have begun calling the tropical paradise a “second Tel Aviv,” expressing alarm that Israeli visitors may be extending their stays beyond tourism to establish business operations through nominee arrangements while allegedly displaying behavior disrespectful toward locals and other tourists.
The backlash has spread across multiple online posts and articles by influencers and independent media, including a “Save Koh Phangan” page reflecting frustrations that the island is following the path of Pai in Mae Hong Son province. That northern town saw an influx of Israeli tourists who stayed long-term, established businesses and religious sites, with some displaying behavior that prompted Thai authorities to launch a major investigation earlier this year.
A viral video from five months ago showing an Israeli female tourist on Koh Phangan saying “my money build your country” after being asked to leave a shop for refusing to remove her shoes has been widely reshared in recent weeks.
National Police Chief Orders Fact-Finding Investigation
On October 10, Royal Thai Police Commissioner Pol. Gen. Kittirat Panphet ordered Region 8 Provincial Police to coordinate with relevant agencies to investigate and implement four existing policy measures:
- Establish a joint task force to examine foreign corporate land ownership and businesses potentially circumventing the law
- Audit financial trails and business documentation to verify actual shareholding in companies with foreign investors
- Strengthen work permit enforcement through Immigration Police and the Ministry of Labour to prevent illegal employment
- Prosecute offenders and supporters decisively, including any involved government officials
Over 2,100 Extension Applications
Royal Thai Police spokesman Pol. Lt. Gen. Yingyot Thepchamnong said preliminary data on Israeli nationals in Koh Phangan and Koh Samui areas revealed multiple arrests on various charges including operating car rental businesses, working beyond permitted scope, operating without licenses, conducting tour businesses without authorization, and working as unlicensed tour guides.
Koh Phangan District Chief Suriya Boonpan reported that as of September 23, 2025, a total of 2,627 Israeli nationals had applied for visa extensions, comprising 2,125 short-term tourist visa holders and 502 long-term visa holders (181 business visas, 30 retirement visas, 152 student visas, 998 family dependent visas, 7 married to Thai nationals, and 27 other categories).
Balancing Tourism and Security
Surat Thani Governor Teerut Supaviboonponl acknowledged that while social media reports remain unverified with no formal complaints filed, preliminary checks confirm some concerns.
“Measures must balance tourism considerations, as we still need tourists—but quality tourists, not those coming to conduct business or exert influence,” the governor said.
Immigration officials will scrutinize tourists who repeatedly extend visas on suspicion they may be working or conducting business without authorization.
Regarding nominee arrangements, authorities will examine all nationalities, checking whether properties involve Thai nominees, whether land titles were legally purchased, whether construction permits were properly issued, and whether any land involves encroachment on public, park, or protected areas.
“After appointing both deputy governors to head the working group, we won’t focus solely on Israelis on Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, but will cover the entire province and all nationalities,” the governor stated.
The investigation involves Region 8 Provincial Police, Immigration Police, the Surat Thani governor’s office, the Land Department, the Department of Business Development, and security agencies.
______
