Pai in the sky: Thai PM denies Israeli takeover in Thailand (video)
Prime Minister Paethongtarn Shinawatra dismissed claims Israelis have taken over the idyllic Pai district, in Mae Hong Son, Thailand.
The Thai premier was faced to answer allegations that claimed the district was now home to thousands of Israelis with signs forbidding Thai locals.
Longing for clarity, concerned citizens found themselves caught in a whirlwind of misinformation, fearing this might inflame an international debacle. But the 38 year old Thai PM was quick to put a lid on it, reassuring Thai nationals.
“Wait a minute. I’ve checked, and it’s not true.”
To further address the unease, Deputy PM and Minister of Interior, Anutin Charnvirakul, set his course for Pai this week, ready to shed light on the increasing number of Israeli nationals and the disruptive behaviour of some, reported Amarin TV.
Locals shared stories on the Israelis’ anti-social behaviour on social media. As a consequence, Immigration Bureau officers arrested and deported four Israeli men who caused chaos at Pai Hospital and within the community in the northern province of Mae Hong Son.
The disruption at the hospital and in Pai district came to light after a medical team shared details of the incident on the Facebook page AggressiveDoctor. A doctor reported feeling exhausted and unsafe, fearing that the Israeli nationals might approach or attack them outside the hospital.
According to the doctor, these foreigners raised their middle fingers at the medical team, belittled their skills, smoked cigarettes inside the hospital, evaded treatment costs, stole from the hospital, and attempted to damage the emergency room door.
Immigration Bureau officials also this week deported four foreigners in Pai district, located in the northern province of Mae Hong Son, for working and operating a bar without the proper permits.
Some restaurants even banned Israeli tourists, while others urged police to investigate a synagogue called Chabad of Pai, where many Israeli nationals gathered.
Chabad of Pai is located behind Pai Police Station. Some locals claimed that foreigners gathered there, held parties daily, and created a loud noise. Thai police officers were even hired as security guards for the location.
Local Thais are waiting eagerly to learn Anutin’s findings.
Meanwhile, across the border, bells were chiming for over another matter.
Cambodians had taken to the ancient Prasat Ta Muen Thom, straddling the Thai-Cambodian border, to sing their hearts out, much to the discomfort of locals. With the Thai prime minister’s upcoming visit to Cambodia, whispers of potential diplomatic chatter loomed large.
However, ever the diplomat, PM Paethongtarn soothed nerves, promising that any discussions would hit the high note.
“There’s no issue, already discussed locally. It’s something understandable. There’s nothing to it.”
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