Koh Pha Ngan to revoke visas of American-Israeli tourists
Officials on Koh Pha Ngan agreed on March 31 to revoke the tourist visas of three Israeli visitors, including one described as an American national of Israeli ethnicity, after a review found their behaviour could affect public order and security.
The district-level committee met at 3pm at the Koh Pha Ngan District Office in Surat Thani. It was set up to screen the conduct of foreign nationals staying in the area.
Cases involving foreigners accused of inappropriate behaviour and potential legal violations were reviewed under the authority of Immigration Bureau Region 6.
The committee resolved to revoke the visas of three Israeli tourists named Menahem Mendel Haramati, an American national of Israeli ethnicity, and Israeli nationals David Chai Shmuel Vaknin and Israel Carolinsky.
Officials said the decision followed concerns about activities viewed as affecting order and security in the area. These included displaying a religious symbol flag, using WhatsApp to encourage people to gather, and distributing leaflets inviting people to organise an activity on Koh Tao.
ชูประเด็นข่าว ภาคใต้ reported that the actions had caused concern among residents, business operators and tourists.
The committee said the decision was made under immigration rules to maintain order and security on Koh Pha Ngan, a key tourism destination in Surat Thani.
Officials were assigned to prepare documents and meeting records for submission to immigration police commanders for the next steps.
In a separate development, the Israeli Embassy in Thailand has introduced guidelines aimed at promoting a positive image of Israeli nationals in Thailand, following criticisms over perceived disruptive behaviour in Pai district, Mae Hong Son province.
This move was in response to concerns from Thai citizens regarding the conduct of some Israelis in the northern tourist town, particularly related to the establishment of a Jewish synagogue, which some fear could indicate encroachment.
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