Thai officials recommend visa revocation for Israeli tourist over hotel disputes
A local committee on Koh Phangan cited unpaid services and verbal threats as reasons to refer the 33-year-old woman's case to immigration police.
By Layla Fontaine ·
The Special Committee for Reviewing the Behavior of Foreign Nationals on the Thai island of Koh Phangan recommended on Thursday that authorities revoke the visa of Einav Ashuel, a 33-year-old Israeli woman. Local police reported that Ashuel had threatened and abused staff and tourists during her stay.
The recommendation followed a meeting chaired by District Chief Paisit Thongcharoen. Attendees included local police commanders, representatives from immigration and tourist police, and other senior local officials. The group reviewed two police complaints filed against the woman before deciding to refer her case to immigration police for further action.
According to a statement from the Koh Phangan district administration, the complaints alleged that Ashuel used hotel services without paying. Officials said she shouted, cursed, and insulted staff at a hotel and during a visit to Than Sadet National Park. The administration also claimed she threatened to physically harm employees and tourists.
Thai authorities have not yet confirmed whether the visa has been formally revoked or if Ashuel has been deported. Neither Ashuel nor Israel's Foreign Ministry has issued a response to the committee's recommendation as of this report.
This case is part of a series of enforcement actions against foreign visitors in Thailand's popular island destinations. In late March, the same committee recommended revoking the visas of three Israelis who displayed Chabad Messiah flags and handed out leaflets on nearby Koh Tao. Thai officials said the activities worried residents and business owners. A report on a Chabad website indicated that the three men were later deported.
In September, Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul signed a deportation order for Israeli citizen Yaakov Ohayon. Ohayon had been convicted of making threats during a dispute at a zoo on Koh Samui. A court gave him a suspended 15-day prison sentence and a fine of 5,000 baht. Authorities also issued a deportation order against the zoo's French owner over his conduct in the same dispute.
The enforcement efforts are not limited to Israeli nationals. In early April, the Koh Phangan district chief announced that visas for 13 foreign tourists had been revoked due to inappropriate behavior. He stated that inspections and monitoring would continue to protect the safety of residents and visitors.
In May, the Israeli Embassy in Bangkok issued a warning to travelers after authorities in Phuket province stepped up enforcement of local laws. The embassy noted that local officials were instructed to impose stricter penalties, including visa revocation in serious cases. The warning urged Israelis in Thailand to follow local rules to avoid legal or immigration consequences.
