Protesters rally outside Israeli Embassy in Bangkok

Protesters assembled outside the Israeli Embassy in Bangkok on September 10 to deliver an open letter and voice their concerns about Israeli activities in Thailand, particularly in relation to the conflict in Gaza. The demonstration, organized by former People's Alliance for Democracy leader Sondhi Limthongkul and Network of Students and People for Reform of Thailand members, commenced with supporters gathering outside the embassy in the early hours of the morning.

Sondhi arrived at approximately 9am, followed by Psi Scott, also known as Siranat Samut. Upon finding the embassy office closed and no representative available to receive the letter, Sondhi addressed the crowd directly. The Israeli Ambassador to Thailand, Alona Fisher-Kamm, had reportedly sent a message to Sondhi through the police at the scene, requesting a private conversation with him regarding the group's demands.

Sondhi questioned why the ambassador was willing to meet privately but had not come out to receive the letter and hear the group's grievances publicly. His open letter accused Israeli citizens and tourists in Thailand of breaking local laws, causing disturbances, and disregarding customs. He also alleged that the expansion of Chabad centers, land acquisitions, and Israeli business interests signaled an attempt to establish a long-term presence in Thailand.

The letter criticized Israel's actions against Palestinians in Gaza and accused Israel, the United States, and certain Thai actors of using Thailand as part of a broader geopolitical strategy to contain China. Sondhi urged the Israeli Embassy and government to ensure Israeli visitors respect Thai law, cooperate with Thai police in investigations related to Israeli nationals, and address land acquisitions and Chabad-related operations in Thailand.

He emphasized that Thailand's hospitality should not be misconstrued as permission to disregard Thai laws, and that neither nationality, religious affiliations, nor diplomatic immunity should protect individuals from the country's legal system. At the time of reporting, it remained uncertain whether Sondhi would accept the request for a private discussion or if an embassy representative would come out to receive the letter.