Authorities on the Thai island of Koh Phangan have revoked an Israeli woman’s visa following reports of alleged misconduct and aggressive behaviour on several occasions while she was working there.
The woman, identified as 33-year-old Ensav Ashual, was accused of directing abusive remarks and using offensive language towards authorities, according to The Bangkok Post, which cited a committee reportedly established to monitor the behaviour of foreigners on the island of Koh Samui.
Ashual also allegedly refused to pay for accommodation and entrance fees at Than Sadet Ko Phangan National Park, known for its wildlife, the newspaper reported.
The committee responsible for her case did not explicitly identify the type of visa Ashual held.
She is reported to have worked on Koh Phangan as an art therapist and breathwork guide, although it has not been independently confirmed whether she held a work visa.
Israeli nationals can visit Thailand visa-free for tourism for up to 30 days, but this exemption does not permit them to work.
Ashual is the third Israeli national on Koh Phangan to have had her visa revoked. Ten foreign nationals on the island have had their visas withdrawn since January this year.
The latest incident comes amid growing anger in Thailand over a series of incidents involving Israeli tourists since the outbreak of Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza on 7 October 2023.
Thailand, along with other Southeast Asian countries, has become a popular destination for Israeli travellers, including many former soldiers.
Reports have documented Israeli military veterans travelling in the region after their service, including individuals who took part in Israel's onslaught on Gaza, where more than 74,000 Palestinians have been killed since 2023.
Critics in Thailand have raised concerns about alleged illegal land acquisition, breaches of local laws and behaviour perceived as disrespectful towards local communities.
Despite maintaining warm relations with Israel, the Thai government has raised concerns with Israeli officials, stressing that Israeli nationals must respect the country’s laws and culture.
In September, Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said he had held a “frank discussion” with Israeli Ambassador Alona Fisher-Kamm about concerns involving some Israeli nationals.
These included businesspeople suspected of using Thai nominees to circumvent foreign ownership restrictions, as well as tourists accused of causing friction with local communities on Koh Phangan, Koh Samui and Phuket.
“Thailand is a country that welcomes tourists, but at the same time, that doesn’t mean tourists, regardless of nationality, can do whatever they want,” Sihasak told reporters at a press briefing in Bangkok following the meeting.
He stressed that visitors must “respect Thai traditions, culture and local ways of life”, adding that Thailand would enforce its laws against foreign nationals regardless of nationality.
Fisher-Kamm acknowledged the concerns and agreed to step up efforts to inform Israeli visitors about appropriate conduct in Thailand, Sihasak said.
The New Arab contacted the Israeli embassy in Thailand and the Department of South Asian, Middle East and African Affairs under Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs for comment, but did not receive a response by the time of publication.
Israeli arrivals in Thailand have increased in recent years, with more than 277,000 recorded in the first eight months of 2026 - a 7% rise compared with the same period last year. This followed a reported 45% increase in 2024.
Growing criticism has also fuelled local protests, with members of the Thai public condemning recent incidents.
The Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement in Thailand has called on the government to stop sending Thai migrant workers to Israel, to screen Israeli tourists, and arrest those suspected of war crimes.
It has also urged Thailand to end arms trading and military agreements with Israel, impose sanctions, and ultimately sever diplomatic relations.
Late last month, Thai authorities announced an investigation into as many as nine Jewish centres, known as Chabad houses, across the country.
The investigation has brought renewed attention to the Chabad-Lubavitch movement, a global Jewish religious movement headquartered in the United States.