Thai authorities are continuing to step up enforcement against Israeli tourists, with a special committee on the island of Koh Phangan recommending the revocation of an Israeli woman's visa following complaints about her conduct toward hotel staff and tourists.
The "Special Committee for Reviewing the Behavior of Foreign Nationals on Koh Phangan" announced on Thursday that it had recommended revoking the visa of Einav Ashuel, a 33-year-old Israeli woman, after local police received complaints alleging "threatening and abusive behavior toward employees and tourists."
According to an official statement from the Koh Phangan district administration, two police complaints were filed against Ashuel.
Authorities allege that while visiting Than Sadet National Park and a hotel, she "used services without paying for them, shouted, cursed, insulted employees, and even threatened to physically harm staff members and tourists."
The recommendation followed a Thursday meeting chaired by Koh Phangan District Chief Paisit Thongcharoen, with local police commanders, immigration and tourist police representatives, and senior local officials in attendance.
Thai authorities have taken a strict approach to such incidents. Following the meeting, the committee recommended revoking Ashuel's visa and referred the case to immigration police for further action.
However, authorities have not confirmed whether her visa has been revoked or whether she has been deported.
Three Israelis previously deported from Thailand
Ashuel is not the first Israeli to face immigration enforcement measures on Thailand's popular tourist islands.
In late March, the same committee recommended revoking the visas of three Israelis who had displayed Chabad "Messiah" flags, distributed leaflets, and used WhatsApp groups to invite people to Passover activities on the nearby island of Koh Tao.
Thai authorities said at the time that the activities had raised concerns among residents, business owners, and tourists, and warned that they could disrupt public order.
The three Israelis were subsequently deported, according to a report published on a Chabad website.
In a separate case in September, Thai Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul signed a deportation order against Israeli citizen Yaakov Ohayon after he was convicted of making threats during a dispute involving a zoo on the island of Koh Samui.
A court sentenced Ohayon to a suspended 15-day prison term and fined him 5,000 baht. A deportation order was later issued against the zoo's owner, a French citizen, over his conduct in the same dispute.
Thailand increases scrutiny of foreign tourists
Although Israeli nationals have repeatedly appeared in reports issued by Thai authorities, the stricter enforcement measures are not limited to Israelis.
In early April, the Koh Phangan district chief announced that authorities had revoked the visas of 13 foreign tourists in the preceding period due to inappropriate behavior.
He said inspections and monitoring would continue as part of efforts to protect the safety of residents and tourists.
The Israeli Embassy in Bangkok also issued a special warning to Israeli travelers in May after authorities in Phuket province stepped up enforcement of local laws.
In its advisory, the embassy said local officials had been instructed to impose stricter penalties on those who violate the law, including revoking visas in serious cases.
The embassy urged Israelis traveling to Thailand to comply with local laws and regulations to avoid legal or immigration consequences.
Responses from Ashuel and the Foreign Ministry regarding the allegations in the current case have not yet been received.