PHUKET — Police at Phuket International Airport are investigating an Israeli tourist who was caught with ammunition in his luggage during an X-ray screening at the domestic terminal before 4 p.m. on November 6.
The 26-year-old Israeli man, whose name was not released, was preparing to board a flight to Koh Samui in Surat Thani province when security staff discovered 29 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition loaded in a magazine inside his black travel bag.
Authorities informed the tourist of his rights and charged him with illegal possession of ammunition that cannot be legally licensed in Thailand. Under Section 72 of the Firearms Act, the offense carries a penalty of one to 10 years in prison and a fine ranging from 2,000 to 20,000 baht ($62–$620).
Israeli Embassy Discusses Tourist Concerns
Two days earlier, on November 4, Israeli Ambassador to Thailand Dr. Alona Fisher-Kamm and Embassy Consul Eli Sneh met with Surat Thani Governor Theerut Supawiboonphol to address concerns among Israeli visitors following reports of police investigations and monitoring of tourists.
“I confirm that the majority of Israeli tourists are good tourists who love traveling to Thailand,” Fisher-Kamm said. “Only a small minority behave inappropriately or break the law, and we fully support Thai authorities taking legal action as they would with any other nationality.”
Governor Theerut said there was no discrimination against Israeli nationals, stressing that officials were focused on enforcing laws while promoting tourism responsibly. He proposed creating a direct communication channel between Surat Thani authorities and the Israeli Embassy to improve coordination and understanding.
Collaboration between Israeli officials and Thai police has also resulted in arrests of suspects wanted in Israel who had fled to Thailand. Authorities recently detained an Israeli fugitive for armed robbery, threats, breaking and entering, and theft on Koh Samui after a request for cooperation from the Israeli Embassy’s Police and Internal Security Attaché Office.
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