BANGKOK/PAI — In the wake of growing tensions between locals and tourists in Pai, Mae Hong Son province, the Israeli Embassy in Thailand has issued a statement on Friday calling for Israeli tourists to respect local laws and customs, while Israeli visitors in the area seek to address misconceptions and anti-Israeli sentiment that has emerged on social media.
The situation has drawn enough attention that the Prime Minister has had to deny rumors of Israelis “taking over” Pai, with tour operators urging calm to prevent damage to the tourism industry.
Israeli Tourists Speak Out
On February 20, four Israeli tourists – Miss Gabriella, Miss Sivan, Mr. Kfir Stoig and Mr. Lior – addressed concerns at a sunset viewpoint in Mae Hi Subdistrict, Pai District. They specifically tackled allegations about Jewish religious gatherings, explaining that these meetings are open to everyone, similar to temples or mosques, serving as spaces for religious rituals and communal meals – a fact confirmed by local security officials during their inspections.
The tourists strongly denied claims about establishing Pai as a “promised land,” emphasizing that they visit purely to experience local traditions, culture, and natural beauty. While acknowledging that some visitors have caused problems, they stressed that such behavior represents only “a tiny percentage of 100 percent” of Israeli visitors.
Embassy Issues Guidelines
In response to these incidents, the Israeli Embassy in Thailand issued a statement on their Facebook page on February 21, urging Israeli tourists to follow regulations and respect local culture. The statement emphasizes several key points:
The statement emphasizes several key points:
- Maintain quiet and avoid loud voices on streets, in hotels, and public places
- Respect private and public spaces; avoid disturbing others or trespassing
- Strictly follow Thai laws and avoid problematic or illegal behavior
- Dress appropriately and modestly in public
- Follow rules at various locations such as temples, markets, and public spaces
The Embassy noted that these incidents have impacted the image of Israeli tourists in Thailand, with some cases resulting in deportation. They emphasized Thailand’s status as a popular destination for Israelis and the traditionally warm welcome extended by Thai people.
Local Perspective
Udmalak Chawalit, a retired civil servant and business owner in Pai, suggested that the crisis could have been avoided through better adherence to local regulations and proper business management. She emphasized the need for strict and fair law enforcement while calling for business owners to take responsibility for maintaining the city’s integrity.
“For more than 20 days, officials including county authorities, local police, immigration and immigration police have been investigating and working to restore order. But business owners should also be part of discussions to ensure concrete legal compliance,” she stated.
Moving Forward
Miss Gabriella, speaking on behalf of her fellow Israeli tourists, concluded with a message to other visitors: “We would like to remind our fellow Israeli travelers to be more mindful, not to cause inconvenience to locals and public places, and to respect the community. We are grateful to the people of Pai for welcoming us.”
The Embassy’s statement concludes by emphasizing the importance of maintaining good relations between the Israeli and Thai communities through mutual respect and understanding.
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