BANGKOK — Rumors opposing Israeli tourists in Pai, Mae Hong Son province, have intensified following a February 6 incident where four Israeli men caused a disturbance at Pai Hospital. Despite their deportation, the situation has sparked wider concerns about foreign presence in the popular tourist town.
National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Kittirat Phanphet has set a seven-day deadline starting February 17 to investigate foreign nationals in the district, responding to local concerns. Deputy National Police Chief Gen. Samran Nualma will oversee the operations, coordinating with relevant units to conduct proactive law enforcement.
However, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on February 18 dismissed rumors that Israeli people are taking over the town, including false claims that over 30,000 Israelis are living in Pai, a town with a total population of 38,000 plus. The rumors also suggested some Israelis consider Pai their new Promised Land. She announced that Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul will personally visit Pai next week to assess the situation.
Tourist Police Clarify Facts
Pol.Lt.Col. Suwit Boonyapen, Mae Hong Son Tourist Police Inspector, has provided key facts to address social media misconceptions:
- Pai’s total population is approximately 38,000
- The reported 30,000 Israelis is actually the cumulative number of tourist check-ins throughout the year
- Daily average of Israeli visitors is only 83-84 people
- British tourists form the largest group visiting Pai, followed by Israelis, Americans, and Germans
The local Chabad or Jewish synagogue:
- Occupies approximately half a rai of land
- Serves purely religious purposes
- Hosts services on Fridays and Saturdays
- Has dining capacity of about 200 people
- Is one of seven such facilities in Thailand, with others in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Koh Samui, Pattaya, and Koh Phangan
Pol.Maj.Gen. Songkrit Ontakhrai, Mae Hong Son Provincial Police Commander, confirmed via telephone that the synagogue has not been hosting parties or serving as a gathering spot for troublemakers, contrary to social media claims. The facility is used strictly for religious services and communal meals during the Sabbath.
Local Business Impact
Avuth Jetsadakraisorn, owner of The Peacock de Pai hotel, expressed concern about the negative impact of anti-Israeli sentiment. “In the past two weeks since this opposition movement began, Israeli tourists have relocated to Chiang Rai,” he said. “Those opposing haven’t looked at the complete picture. We can use laws to deport troublemakers, but this blanket opposition is damaging Pai’s reputation severely.”
“Pai is already a pure, peaceful place with good culture,” Avuth added. “If this negative news coverage doesn’t stop, Pai’s future is at risk. We receive millions of international tourists, not just Israelis. Please consider the bigger picture.”
Nationwide Measures
The Tourist Police confirmed that all foreign nationals enter Thailand legally, and authorities maintain strict enforcement of laws regarding various tourist activities, including car rentals, tubing, and cannabis use. Long-term measures discussed in inter-agency meetings will continue to be implemented.
The Immigration Department oversees visa status reviews and potential deportation cases. “Our duty is not to target any specific nationality. Any foreigners who cause trouble to society will face legal action and be deported,” said Pol Lt Gen Panumas.
Officials emphasize that claims about the establishment of a “promised land” or Thai job displacement are unfounded, with all relevant agencies maintaining vigilant law enforcement and regular public communications about their oversight efforts.
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