BANGKOK — A Thai activist group submitted a letter outside the Israeli Embassy in Bangkok on 24 August, urging Israeli tourists and residents in Thailand to respect the country’s laws, customs and culture.
Tae Achiwa, a leader of the Thai Mai Thon (“Thais Won’t Tolerate It”) group, delivered the letter following complaints from residents in several tourist destinations, including Phuket, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Pai.
The group said it had received complaints alleging intimidation, harassment and disputes involving Israeli nationals, including conflicts related to businesses and property.
The letter stressed that the group did not intend to generalize about Israeli people and said anyone found to have violated Thai law should be investigated and prosecuted through the legal process.
Embassy staff did not accept the letter directly and instead instructed the group’s representatives to leave it outside the embassy building. The representatives then placed the document there as requested.
Speaking to reporters, Tae said the group’s action was peaceful and was focused on complaints from Thai residents rather than the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
“We came peacefully. I’m not here to call for ‘Free Palestine.’ Your war is your war. Today I’m here because Thai people are suffering from tourists who come into the country, and you are not urging your tourists to behave. That’s all,” he said.
The group said it hoped Israeli visitors and residents would respect Thai laws and local communities while authorities handle any alleged offenses through established legal procedures.
