In the heart of Thailand's picturesque Mae Hong Son province, the town of Pai has become the focal point of controversy involving Israeli tourists. Recent incidents have prompted Thai authorities to take decisive action against foreign nationals accused of causing public disturbances and engaging in illegal activities. As of February this year, 13 Israelis have faced charges ranging from theft to public nuisance, with four of them deported following misconduct at Pai Hospital. These developments have sparked a broader investigation into the behavior and presence of foreign tourists in the area.
The incidents at Pai Hospital have drawn significant attention, particularly after a doctor raised concerns on February 4 about disruptive behaviors exhibited by some Israeli tourists. According to the doctor, these individuals frequently smoked on hospital grounds, stole items, and caused damage to emergency room doors.
“These tourists regularly smoke on hospital property, steal items, and have damaged our emergency room doors,” a doctor reported.
Further complicating matters, when these individuals sought medical treatment, they often refused basic procedures such as blood tests and wound care, adding to the challenges faced by hospital staff.
“When they do come for treatment, they often refuse basic medical procedures like blood tests and wound care, making it extremely difficult for our staff to help them,” the doctor added.
The tipping point came on February 2 when four Israeli nationals—Daniel, Aviv, Or Emanoel, and Dan Nisko—allegedly intimidated medical staff and attempted unauthorized entry into restricted areas. This misconduct led to their arrest and subsequent deportation. Immigration Police Commander Lieutenant General Phanumas Boonyalak ordered their visa permits revoked on February 6, and they were fined 3,000 baht (approximately US$89) each for harassment and causing public disturbance. The group departed Thailand from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport on February 13.
Meanwhile, social media platforms have been abuzz with complaints about foreign tourists in Pai. Posts allege that approximately 30,000 Jewish people have settled in the town and established a Jewish synagogue or Chabad House. However, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has debunked these claims.
“We've already verified that this is not true,” stated Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
In reality, a Chabad House does exist in Pai, serving as a Jewish community center for visiting tourists rather than indicating a permanent settlement.
Concerns over foreign nationals working without authorization and hosting noisy parties have prompted local authorities to act. According to a Bangkok Post report, representatives have requested investigations and legal action against those violating Thai regulations. Police Major Kriengkrai Sansalee highlighted several complaints about the behavior of these tourists.
“The complaints say they are drunk and rowdy … they steal,” said Police Major Kriengkrai Sansalee.
“(People say) they come in large groups, spend a little and bargain a lot. Local businesses are affected the most because when they come, other tourists go elsewhere,” he continued.
Despite reports suggesting that Israeli nationals ranked second among foreign visitors to Pai in 2024 with 31,735 arrivals, authorities estimate the actual number of Israeli tourists to be between 2,000 and 3,000 annually due to duplicated statistics.
To address the escalating situation, Thailand's police have set a seven-day timeframe for officers to investigate foreign nationals residing in Pai for alleged illegal activities. Additionally, Prime Minister Shinawatra announced plans for Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Anutin Charnvirakul to visit the area to gain firsthand insights.
“Next week, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Anutin Charnvirakul will visit the area to get a full picture of what is happening in Pai,” Prime Minister Shinawatra confirmed.
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