Phuket residents protest against Israeli tourists, demand 15-day stay limit

Approximately 150 residents in Patong, Phuket, held a protest demanding stricter oversight of foreign visitors. The protesters, citing a sharp rise in Israeli arrivals, called on authorities to implement tighter regulations, including a proposed 15-day limit on stays for Israeli tourists. Participants at the forum argued that some visitors disregard local laws and culture. According to data from the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Israeli arrivals in Phuket have surged by over 1,200% since 2019. In response to rising tensions, Thailand’s tourism minister warned that authorities would not hesitate to deport tourists who break the law or cause disturbances. Meanwhile, Thai officials have emphasized that their primary concern is ensuring all foreigners comply with local regulations, regardless of nationality. Israeli tourism remains economically significant for Thailand, with projections estimating over 442,000 Israeli visitors in 2026.