Pai, February 21st, 2025 – Thai national media reported tensions continue to escalate in Pai, Mae Hong Son, following rising opposition to Israeli tourists since early February.
The controversy began when four Israeli tourists caused a disturbance at Pai Hospital, leading to their arrest and deportation.
The backlash has since expanded, with concerns over job competition and Israeli tourists forming close-knit communities, sparking broader national debates. Authorities, including local police and immigration officials, have stepped up enforcement, but divisions persist.
Udomlak Chawalit, a retired official and accommodation owner in Pai, stressed that the crisis could have been avoided if tourists followed local rules and businesses upheld regulations. She also called for stricter law enforcement to maintain order.
On February 20th, Thai national media interviewed four Israeli tourists regarding the controversy at a Pai viewpoint. They clarified that Jewish religious gatherings in Pai, including Chabad of Pai, were open spaces, not secretive establishments.
They dismissed claims that Israelis sought to settle permanently or take over local businesses, emphasizing that their visits were purely for tourism, according to Thai national media. As for the Chabad, they stated it was simply a place to peacefully practice their religious beliefs while on vacation and that everyone was welcome. They denied any intention, as some false news online claimed, of trying to hurt Buddhism or other religions.
Expressing regret over past incidents, they urged fellow Israeli visitors to respect local customs and avoid causing disruptions, thanking Pai locals for their hospitality, reported Thai national media.
They stressed that they loved Thailand and Thai people and that nobody wanted to hurt the relationship between the Thai and Israeli people.
The Thai Prime Minister has also denied any online misinformation stating that Israel wanted to establish land in Thailand and said the rumors were completely false and meant only to divide people.
This article originally appeared on our sister website The Pattaya News.
