Thai Island Panel Recommends Ending Stay of Israeli Visitor
Koh Phangan officials cited unpaid bills and aggressive conduct in two police complaints filed against a 33-year-old tourist.
By Luana Sato ·
Thailand has tightened its grip on foreign visitors, with island authorities moving to remove an Israeli woman from the country after a dispute with local staff. The decision follows a formal review by a committee tasked with monitoring the behavior of non-citizens on Koh Phangan.
The Special Committee for Reviewing the Behavior of Foreign Nationals recommended revoking the visa of Einav Ashuel, 33, on Thursday. Local police had logged two complaints against her. The reports alleged that she engaged in threatening and abusive conduct toward employees and other tourists.
District administration documents describe the specific incidents. Officials stated that Ashuel used services at Than Sadet National Park and a local hotel without paying. They claimed she shouted, cursed, and insulted staff. The complaints also noted that she threatened to physically harm both employees and tourists.
District Chief Paisit Thongcharoen chaired the Thursday meeting that produced the recommendation. Attendees included local police commanders, immigration representatives, and tourist police officials. The group referred the case to immigration police for further action. Authorities have not yet confirmed if the visa has been formally cancelled or if Ashuel has left the country.
Neither Ashuel nor Israel's Foreign Ministry has responded to the news. The case is part of a growing list of enforcement actions against Israeli nationals in Thailand. In late March, the same committee recommended ending the stays of three Israelis on nearby Koh Tao. Those visitors had displayed Chabad flags, distributed leaflets, and used WhatsApp to invite others to Passover activities. A Chabad website reported that the three were later deported.
In September, Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul signed a deportation order for Yaakov Ohayon. Ohayon was convicted of making threats during a dispute at a zoo on Koh Samui. He received a suspended 15-day prison sentence and a fine of 5,000 baht. A French citizen who owned the zoo was also ordered deported over the same incident.
The enforcement drive is not limited to one nationality. In early April, the Koh Phangan district chief announced that 13 foreign tourists had their visas revoked for inappropriate behavior. He stated that inspections would continue to protect residents and visitors. In May, the Israeli Embassy in Bangkok issued a warning to travelers after Phuket officials stepped up local law enforcement. The embassy urged Israelis to follow local rules to avoid legal or immigration consequences.
