A recent poll in Thailand found strong public support for enforcing the law strictly against Israeli visitors following growing concerns over alleged inappropriate or unlawful behaviour by some tourists.
The National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) surveyed 1,410 voting-age respondents in Bangkok and five provinces — Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Surat Thani, Phuket and Mae Hong Son — from Sept 8 to 10.
Among respondents who had either heard reports or had direct experience of alleged misconduct, 77.49% said authorities should strictly enforce Thai laws. Nearly half, or 45.45%, also supported shortening the length of stay allowed for Israeli visitors, while 38.49% said the Israeli Embassy should take greater responsibility for supervising the behaviour of its nationals.
The poll found that 76.38% of all respondents had heard reports through mainstream or social media about alleged inappropriate or illegal behaviour by Israelis in Thailand. However, only 5.11% said they had personally experienced such behaviour, highlighting that much of the public awareness has come through media reports rather than direct encounters.
The findings come amid rising tensions over the behaviour of some foreign visitors, particularly Israeli tourists in popular destinations such as Phuket and Koh Samui. Thai authorities have stressed that visitors are welcome but must follow the same laws and regulations as everyone else.
The issue has also prompted diplomatic discussions. Israeli Ambassador Alona Fisher-Kamm met Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow recently to discuss concerns over Israeli tourists, while the Israeli Embassy has indicated that it will provide visitors with guidance on respecting Thai laws and local culture.
The tensions intensified after several high-profile incidents involving foreign visitors. Thai authorities have taken action against individuals accused or convicted of misconduct, including an Israeli tourist who was convicted of threatening a zoo owner on Koh Samui and later ordered deported under tougher measures for problematic foreign visitors.
Despite the growing criticism, the concerns relate to the alleged behaviour of specific individuals and should not be taken as representing Israeli visitors as a whole. Thailand remains heavily dependent on international tourism, with more than 277,000 Israeli visitors recorded during the first eight months of 2026, about 7% more than during the same period a year earlier.
The latest poll nevertheless shows that many Thais want authorities to respond firmly when foreign visitors break the law, reflecting a broader push for tourists and expatriates to respect Thailand’s laws, culture and local communities.
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