Thailand Panel Advises Ending Visa of Israeli Woman

A review committee on the Thai island of Koh Phangan recommended revoking the visa of Einav Ashuel, a 33-year-old Israeli citizen. The group acted on two police complaints alleging that Ashuel threatened and abused staff and tourists.

District Chief Paisit Thongcharoen chaired the Thursday meeting. Local police commanders, immigration officers, and tourist police representatives attended. The committee forwarded the case to immigration police for further action.

District administration officials stated that Ashuel used services at Than Sadet National Park and a hotel without paying. They reported that she shouted, cursed, and insulted employees. Officials said she also threatened physical harm to staff and visitors during these incidents.

This decision follows a pattern of enforcement against foreign visitors in the region. In late March, the same committee recommended revoking visas for three Israelis. Those individuals displayed Chabad flags and distributed leaflets for Passover activities on nearby Koh Tao. A Chabad website reported that the three men were later deported.

In September, Prime 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 5,000-baht fine. Authorities also issued a deportation order against the zoo's French owner.

Koh Phangan officials said they revoked the visas of 13 foreign tourists in early April for inappropriate behavior. The district chief stated that inspections would continue to protect residents and visitors.

The Israeli Embassy in Bangkok issued a warning to travelers in May. It noted that authorities in Phuket province were enforcing local laws more strictly. The embassy urged Israelis to follow local rules to avoid legal consequences. Ashuel and the Israeli Foreign Ministry have not yet responded to the committee's recommendation.