Thailand is becoming less and less hospitable to Israelis. Protests in Phuket

Protest participants accused Israelis and other foreign investors of illegal businesses, buying up real estate and driving out local entrepreneurs. They also demanded the closure of all branches of Chabad, an international Hasidic movement that operates centers in about 100 countries, including the most popular Thai resorts.

Dispute over tourism and business

Thailand has been a popular travel destination for Israelis for years. In 2025, the country was visited by over 410,000 people. (i.e. approximately 4 percent of Israel's population). The islands of Phuket, Koh Samui and Koh Phangan are particularly popular.

Some Israelis run restaurants, hotels and travel agencies there, often serving primarily their compatriots. Local entrepreneurs accuse them of creating a closed market from which local companies derive little benefit.

Post-war tensions in the Gaza Strip

Resentment towards Israeli visitors increased after the start of the war in Gaza in October 2023. As Khaosod English columnist Pravit Rojanaphruk points out, the reasons include complaints about the behavior of some tourists, fears of business takeovers, nationalist sentiments and opposition to Israeli policy.

In August, about 150 people protested in Phuket, accusing Israeli tourists of, among other things, arguments, disregard for local customs or failure to pay bills. In September, there were demonstrations in front of the Israeli embassy in Bangkok and in front of the Chabad center in Phuket. During the second of these protests, a Jewish New Year dinner, which was supposed to be attended by about a thousand people, was canceled.

Tensions also concern other issues. In September, the authorities ordered the closure of a Jewish cemetery near Bangkok, and at the end of October they revoked the citizenship of the chief rabbi of Chabad in Thailand, Yosef Chaim Kantor.

The man, who has been living in Thailand since 1993, was accused of using an American passport after obtaining Thai citizenship.

Proceedings are also underway regarding 19 companies related to the rabbi.