Ambassador to Thailand plays down anti-Israeli protests, but urges cautionary action

Bangkok – Israel's ambassador to Thailand, Alona Fisher-Kamm, has downplayed recent anti-Israeli protests and disputes involving tourists, emphasizing the importance of maintaining harmonious relations between the two countries. The ambassador spoke to AFP on Tuesday, expressing her belief that the Middle East conflict should not be brought into Thailand. She added that the Thai mentality is marked by high tolerance and respect for diverse cultures, and it is challenging for her to label the protests as antisemitic.

Protests have been held in various locations, including Bangkok and the tourist island of Phuket, where a Rosh Hashanah celebration was canceled due to fears of violence. Some protesters displayed signs accusing Israelis of disrespecting Thai customs. The Thai government has taken action against certain individuals, including ordering the deportation of a Frenchman who banned Israeli tourists from his zoo on Koh Samui, citing concerns about stirring religious division.

However, Fisher-Kamm downplayed these incidents as isolated cases and dismissed the notion of a campaign to separate Thai and Israeli identities.

The ambassador has been actively working with the Thai government to address the situation, discussing possible measures to minimize tensions. She has distributed Hebrew-language brochures highlighting rules of conduct for tourists to Thai airlines and travel agencies. Thailand's tourism industry, which relies heavily on visitors from Israel, is of great economic significance to the country.

However, Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Thailand's foreign minister, emphasized that the country's hospitality does not grant tourists unlimited freedom to behave as they wish. He stressed that failure to address the issue could negatively impact bilateral relations between the two nations.