Protests against Israelis in Thailand became more public Thursday as demonstrators gathered outside the Israeli Embassy in Bangkok, carrying signs denouncing Israel and protesting the conduct of some Israelis in the country. The embassy temporarily closed during the demonstration, while Deputy Ambassador Rami Teplitski released an unusual video in Thai saying the diplomatic mission was taking reports and concerns about Israeli tourists seriously.
Some of the signs carried particularly harsh messages. One read, “Israelis, respect the Thai people,” while another explicitly targeted Jews: “You Jews don’t understand Thai culture, so get out.” Another displayed a crossed-out Israeli flag alongside the words “Boycott Israel,” while another declared, “Thailand is not for sale.”
The protest was led by Sondhi Limthongkul, one of the leaders of Thailand’s “Yellow Shirt” protest movement, along with other nationalist activists. Demonstrators waved Thai flags and carried signs bearing the slogan “Take Back Our Thailand.”
The Israeli Embassy was temporarily closed during the protest. According to local media, organizers were told at about 10:15 a.m. that no employees were at the embassy that day and that a private meeting with Ambassador Alona Fisher-Kamm could be arranged later.
(Photo: AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
Sondhi rejected the offer, saying the demonstration was not a personal matter but an action being taken on behalf of the public.
Alongside complaints about the behavior of some Israeli tourists, demonstrators also focused on allegations that Thai nationals are being used as nominees, or proxies, to operate businesses and hold property and land on behalf of foreigners in violation of local law, including on the island of Koh Phangan and in Phuket.
(Photo: AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
The protesters called on Thai authorities to increase oversight and enforcement and investigate businesses and transactions suspected of using such arrangements.
The embassy later released Teplitski’s video. Embassy officials acknowledged in advance that his Thai pronunciation might contain mistakes but said the deputy ambassador was determined to deliver the message himself in the local language.
(Photo: AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
Teplitski said the embassy was taking reports and concerns about the behavior of Israeli tourists in Thailand seriously. He said the mission was cooperating with Thai authorities and had already issued a code of conduct for Israelis visiting the country, with explicit instructions to respect Thai culture and local laws.
“The embassy is fully committed to seriously addressing the issue of reports concerning Israeli tourists in Thailand,” the embassy said.
It added that the mission was committed to maintaining good relations between Israel and Thailand and encouraging Israeli tourists to respect the Thai people.
The unusual Thai-language appeal came two days after Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow delivered an unusually pointed message to Fisher-Kamm, warning that misconduct by Israeli citizens could harm relations between the two countries.
Israeli Ambassador to Thailand Alona Fisher-Kamm and Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow
(Photo: Thai Foreign Ministry)
Sihasak addressed complaints involving Israelis living in or operating businesses in Thailand, as well as incidents involving tourists, and said authorities would take firm action against foreigners who violate the law.
He stressed that the policy was not specifically directed at Israelis and would be enforced against foreign nationals of any nationality. However, he said some incidents involving Israelis had offended local sensitivities and shown disrespect for Thai culture and residents’ way of life.