Koh Phangan Officials Recommend Visa Revocation for Israeli Visitor

Koh Phangan authorities recommended on Thursday that immigration officials revoke the visa of 33-year-old Israeli national Einav Ashuel. The Special Committee for Reviewing the Behavior of Foreign Nationals made the recommendation following two police complaints filed against her. District Chief Paisit Thongcharoen chaired the meeting, which included local police commanders, immigration representatives, and tourist police officials.

The district administration stated that Ashuel used hotel services and facilities at Than Sadet National Park without paying. Officials alleged she shouted, cursed, and insulted employees. The complaints further claimed she threatened to physically harm staff members and tourists during these incidents. The committee has referred the case to immigration police for further action.

Authorities have not confirmed whether the visa has been revoked or if Ashuel has been deported. Neither Ashuel nor Israel's Foreign Ministry has responded to requests for comment. The decision represents a continued effort by local officials to manage the conduct of foreign visitors in the area.

This case follows a pattern of enforcement actions involving Israeli tourists in Thailand. In late March, the same committee recommended revoking the visas of three Israelis on nearby Koh Tao. Those individuals displayed Chabad flags, distributed leaflets, and used WhatsApp groups to promote Passover activities. Thai officials said the actions worried local residents and business owners. A report on a Chabad website indicated the three 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. He received a suspended 15-day prison sentence and a fine of 5,000 baht. A deportation order was also issued against the zoo's French owner regarding his conduct in the same dispute.

The enforcement measures are not limited to Israeli visitors. In early April, the Koh Phangan district chief announced that 13 foreign tourists had their visas revoked for inappropriate behavior. He stated that inspections would continue to protect the safety of residents and visitors. In May, the Israeli Embassy in Bangkok issued a warning to travelers in Phuket province, advising them to follow local rules to avoid stricter penalties including visa revocation.