Thai Panel Backs Visa Cut

Thai island officials have moved to end the legal stay of a 33-year-old Israeli tourist following allegations of misconduct.

The Special Committee for Reviewing the Behavior of Foreign Nationals on Koh Phangan voted on Thursday to recommend visa revocation for Einav Ashuel. Local police recorded two complaints against her, citing threatening and abusive actions directed at hotel employees and other visitors. A district administration statement detailed the allegations, claiming she used park and hotel services without payment, shouted, and insulted staff. Officials said she also threatened physical harm against employees and tourists during visits to Than Sadet National Park and a local hotel.

District Chief Paisit Thongcharoen chaired the Thursday meeting that produced the recommendation. Attendees included local police commanders, immigration representatives, and tourist police officers. The committee referred the case to immigration police to determine the next steps. As of Thursday, authorities have not confirmed if the visa has been formally canceled or if Ashuel has been removed from the country. Neither Ashuel nor Israel's Foreign Ministry had responded to inquiries at the time of the announcement.

This action follows a pattern of stricter enforcement against foreign visitors on Thai islands. In late March, the same Koh Phangan committee recommended revoking the visas of three Israeli citizens. Those individuals were cited for displaying Chabad flags, distributing leaflets, and organizing Passover activities on neighboring Koh Tao via WhatsApp. Thai officials stated the activities worried residents and business owners. A report on a Chabad website later indicated the three were deported.

In September, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who also serves as Interior Minister, signed a deportation order for Yaakov Ohayon, an Israeli citizen convicted of making threats during a dispute at a Koh Samui zoo. The court had previously given Ohayon a suspended 15-day prison sentence and a fine of 5,000 baht. A deportation order was also issued against the zoo's French owner for his conduct in the same incident.

The enforcement campaign extends beyond Israeli nationals. In early April, the Koh Phangan district chief announced that the visas of 13 foreign tourists had been revoked for inappropriate behavior. He stated that inspections would continue to protect local residents and visitors. In May, the Israeli Embassy in Bangkok issued a warning to travelers after Phuket province tightened its enforcement of local laws. The embassy advised Israelis to follow local rules to avoid visa revocation or other legal consequences.