Thailand summons Israeli envoy over tourists' conduct, demands stronger action
Following the meeting, the minister delivered a firm message, saying Thailand welcomes tourists, but that does not mean “tourists of any nationality can do whatever they want here.”
Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sihasak Phuangketkeow, summoned Israeli Ambassador Alona Fisher-Kamm to discuss a series of incidents involving Israelis in the country. Following their meeting, Phuangketkeow expressed Thailand's welcome of tourists but emphasized that it doesn't grant them free rein to act as they please. The minister highlighted that such behavior has negatively impacted Thai people's sentiments, local culture, and way of life, particularly in regions like Phuket and Phang Nga.
This exchange of words comes amid growing criticism of tourists' conduct worldwide, with authorities in Thailand intensifying their focus on the actions of foreign visitors, including Israelis. Prior to the meeting, it was reported that Fisher-Kamm intended to address her concerns over the increasing hostility towards Israelis and Jews in Thailand, along with broader issues related to bilateral relations between the two nations.
During their discussions, Fisher-Kamm acknowledged the concerns over certain Israelis' behavior and suggested preparing a "dos and don'ts" document for Israeli travelers, which would be distributed through the Israeli Embassy, tourism companies, and airlines. However, the Thai government insisted that Israel must take stronger action on the matter.
Notably, the minister and ambassador were scheduled to hold a joint press conference after the meeting. Yet, as local reporters noted, Fisher-Kamm departed the venue immediately after the discussion and did not engage with journalists. The specifics of the conversation were shared by the Thai foreign minister, outlining his government's stance on the conduct of foreign tourists and incidents involving Israelis.
This meeting occurred just two days before a planned protest outside the Israeli Embassy in Bangkok, scheduled for September 10, as part of a campaign against what organizers term "gray foreign capital" and foreign businesses operating through Thai nominees.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
