The Thai police has instructed all police units to investigate any suspected illegal activities by foreign tourists, especially Israelis in Pai district of Mae Hong Son province, where local inhabitants are becoming increasingly intolerant of the behaviour of some Israeli tourists who have allegedly opened businesses in professions reserved for Thais and caused a public nuisance.
In an order signed by the police commissioner-general, Pol Gen Kitrat Phanphet, all police units, including immigration police, are ordered to submit their initial reports within seven days.
In the mountainous resort town of Pai, which is a haven for mostly western backpackers, sign boards which read “No Israel Here” have begun to pop up at several stores and businesses, indicative of the resentment felt by locals Israelis.
One TikTok user, by the name “Kroo ki, wrote that the trouble being caused by Israeliss in Pai district is steadily worsening, citing the case of smoking weed in the district hospital and raising the middle finger. Some Israelis also smoke weed in the street and park motorcycles on roads, in defiance of the traffic regulations.
Complaints against the Israelis by locals include the illegal opening of car rental and taxi services, creating loud noises, causing a disturbance, illegal use of public land for commercial purposes, and the presence of a synagogue behind the Pai district police station.
The synagogue has received the most complaints from local Thais for being the gathering place for Israelis, causing a lot of noise.
Four tourists, including two Israelis, who played music at the “Jazz House” pub, owned by an Irishman, were recently deported by the immigration police for working illegally in Thailand.
According to the World Update web page, as many as 30,000 Israelis are heading towards Pai district for long stay, with the support of the ‘Chabad’ movement.
Chabad, also known as Lubavitch, Habad and Chabad-Lubavitch, is a branch of Orthodox Judaism, originating from Eastern Europe and is one of the largest Hasidic movements and one of the world’s best known.
According to the Pai district’s census, about 30,000 Israelis are staying there, including about 3,000 permanent stayers, while the number of locals is about 21,000.
Commenting on the problem, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra claimed that the issue has been blown out of proportion, as she denied that the Israelis there have forbidden Thai people from visiting some areas.
She said that Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul visit the district soon to observe the situation.
