{
  "id": 3003156,
  "title": "Phuket tour seller speaks out after Israeli tourist clash",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/24/phuket-tour-seller-speaks-out-after-israeli-tourist-clash",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-24T10:50:46.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Khaosod English",
    "slug": "khaosod-english",
    "url": "https://www.khaosodenglish.com/life/socialmedia/2026/08/24/phuket-tour-seller-speaks-out-after-israeli-tourist-clash/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Patong, Phuket — In the aftermath of a viral video showing a 24-year-old tour worker in Patong arguing with an Israeli tourist, the employee has come forward with his side of the story. The incident occurred in front of a tour counter in Kathu district, Phuket, and was captured on video as the Israeli tourist demanded to be removed from the area.\n\nKechin, the tour worker, recounted that he was working as usual when the confrontation took place. He denied displaying a Palestinian flag or intentionally trying to drive the Israeli tourists away. Kechin explained that a Palestinian customer had previously recommended his services to a friend, and as a result, a woman suggested he display a Palestinian flag to attract more Palestinian tourists. No such flag was present at the time of the confrontation.\n\nHe stated that he had been serving Israeli tourists regularly and that the incident was unrelated to the customer who had bought a rafting trip from him. Kechin emphasized that he provides equal service to all tourists, regardless of their nationality. The altercation began when the Israeli group asked him if he supported Palestine, to which he replied that he did not. One of the tourists then shouted, \"Free Israel,\" sparking the argument captured in the viral video.",
  "summary": "PHUKET — 24 August 2026, A 24-year-old tour counter worker in Patong has spoken out after a video showing him arguing with an Israeli tourist and telling the tourist to leave the area went viral on social media. The incident took place in front of a tour counter in Patong, Kathu district, Phuket. The video […] The post Phuket tour seller speaks out after Israeli tourist clash appeared first on…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}