Protests in Thailand Against Israeli Tourists; Demands to Shorten Visa Duration

Protests have erupted in the popular Thai tourist destination of Phuket, targeting the activities of Israeli tourists. Demonstrators have raised concerns regarding irregularities affecting local businesses and the tourism sector, calling for measures such as a reduction in the duration of visas granted to Israeli nationals.

These details were reported by the news outlet *The New Arab* on Monday (November 2).

During a rally held in Phuket over the weekend, Thai media personality and leader of the "Yellow Shirt" movement, Sondhi Limthongkul, demanded that the visa duration for Israeli tourists be reduced from 30 days to 14 days.

At the protest—where participants carried banners reading "No Israel—Save Phuket"—Sondhi alleged that some Israeli nationals are harming local businesses. He further claimed that they operate establishments that cater exclusively to tourists from their own country.

On the same day, another protest in Phuket was led by Saichol Nuchot. He demanded the revocation of Thai citizenship for Israelis who have acquired it, as well as the closure of all Chabad centers operating within the country.

Local protest groups allege that some Israeli nationals are conducting business without the required licenses. They are also accused of showing disrespect toward local culture and using the names of Thai citizens to circumvent regulations regarding foreign ownership.

Meanwhile, the report notes that an investigation is underway concerning the operations of "Chabad Houses" in Thailand.

According to the report, during an investigation last July, an Israeli tourist engaged in an argument with Thai officials and claimed that the location was "Israeli territory." Following this incident, the Thai Ministry of Interior expanded the scope of its investigation.

Subsequently, in September, authorities initiated a review of the licenses and property ownership status of at least nine Chabad Houses across Thailand. According to reports, last week, Thai Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul revoked the Thai citizenship of Rabbi Yosef Chaim Kantor, the head of the Chabad movement in Thailand. The decision followed an investigation that revealed his use of dual citizenship. The reports allege that, despite having been granted Thai citizenship in 2013, he traveled to Australia 16 times using his U.S. passport.

Thailand has long been a popular destination for Israeli tourists; many Israeli citizens visit the country, particularly after completing their mandatory military service.

While anti-Israel protests have taken place in various countries since the onset of the war in Gaza in 2023, recent demonstrations in Thailand have focused more on concerns regarding local businesses, the control of the tourism sector, and the activities of foreign nationals.

Source: The New Arab