Rabbi Nehemiah Wilhelm, the most senior rabbi in Thailand, has offered his assurance that Israeli tourists visiting the country simply wish to enjoy a peaceful time and the country’s beautiful culture.
He admitted that, while some Israeli tourists can be noisy, disorderly and occasionally cause a disturbance, they love Thailand and its people.
He dismissed online reports claiming that tens of thousands of Israelis had settled in the popular tourist destination of Pai, in Mae Hong Son province, with the intention of taking over the area.
“In fact, there are about 40-50 Israelis living in Pai, not 30,000 as was falsely claimed online. Tourists from Israel usually stay in Pai for just a few weeks before returning home.”
The rabbi, who is based in Bangkok, was in Pai to welcome Thai Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who visited the area following negative reports about Israelis there.
Also present was Israel’s ambassador to Thailand, Orna Sagiv.
Photo: Rabbi Nehemiah Wilhelm, Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Israel's Ambassador to Thailand Orna Sagiv
Reports claimed that locals were unhappy with Israeli tourists smoking weed in public and deliberately violating Thai laws.
Anutin also visited the Chabad (Synagogue), which was reportedly banning Thai people from entering.
The rabbi, however, dismissed this claim, explaining that all visitors must be screened before entering to ensure no weapons are brought inside.
Photo: Inside Chabad in Pai
He said that he does not understand why some people spread false reports, emphasising that he always advises Israelis to respect Thai culture and to have an understanding of the local customs, so they can fully enjoy their time in the country.
He added that many Thai people have told him that they have had no problems with Israeli tourists and do not believe the misleading reports circulating on social media.
Meanwhile, Anutin said Mae Hong Son Governor Ekkawit Meepian assured him that reports of Israeli tourists attempting to take over Pai were untrue, adding that they come to Pai simply for leisure and that there are no security concerns.
