Thailand Summons Israeli Ambassador Over Tourist Behavior

Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow summoned Israeli Ambassador Alona Fisher-Kamm for talks in Bangkok following a series of incidents involving Israeli tourists. During the meeting, Phuangketkeow stated that while Thailand welcomes tourists, visitors of any nationality cannot do whatever they want, noting that some foreign visitors have harmed Thai people's feelings and local culture, specifically in Phang Nga and Phuket. In response, Ambassador Fisher-Kamm acknowledged the concerns and proposed creating a "Dos and don'ts" document for Israeli travelers to be distributed via airlines, tourism companies, and the embassy. However, the Thai foreign minister indicated that the government believes Israel needs to take more significant action. The meeting occurred amid a surge in Israeli tourism, which rose approximately 7 percent year on year in the first eight months of 2026. Additionally, the talks took place two days before a planned September 10 protest outside the Israeli Embassy regarding "gray foreign capital" and foreign businesses operating through Thai nominees. While the Thai side focused on the conduct of visitors, the center-right source notes that Ambassador Fisher-Kamm intended to raise concerns regarding growing hostility toward Jews and Israelis in Thailand.