Viral TikTok videos criticizing Israeli tourists’ behavior have reignited debate in Thailand over how some visitors conduct themselves, amid reports of growing tensions in popular destinations such as Pai in the country’s north.
One of the videos, posted by TikTok user @djudjunzumba, has gained more than 50,000 likes and accuses Israeli travelers of acting entitled, demanding free services, and disregarding local customs. “They want everything for free,” the user said, echoing frustrations shared by others online.
Another creator, @lifeofaydinx, added to the controversy with a video describing Israeli tourists as “spiritually arrogant,” accusing them of behaving rudely and ignoring Thai cultural norms. He said Pai—once known as a serene haven for backpackers—had become “overrun with loud and disrespectful Israeli tourists.”
The clips have sparked wide discussion on social media. Some users defended Israeli travelers and said the criticism was an unfair generalization, while others shared similar experiences from Thailand and elsewhere. “I’ve seen the same thing in India,” one commenter wrote. Another said, “It’s not about nationality, it’s about individual behavior.”
Many Israelis have pushed back, saying the videos and related media coverage portray a distorted picture. “I’ve been traveling in Thailand for years and never encountered hostility,” one Israeli wrote in an online forum. “The locals are welcoming. A few people give everyone a bad name.”
Reports from Thai media earlier this year have added to the scrutiny. In February, the Bangkok Post reported that four Israeli men were arrested and later deported after damaging property in the emergency room of Pai Hospital. The group allegedly broke in after a friend was injured in a motorcycle crash and refused to leave until police intervened. The men were fined 3,000 baht each, and their visas were revoked.
A doctor at the hospital wrote in a social media post that it was not the first time staff had encountered “rude and aggressive Israeli visitors.” She said some tourists in Pai had been operating illegal motorbike schools or driving without licenses, leading to more accidents. Her post prompted public outrage and renewed calls for tighter enforcement.
The rise in Israeli tourism to Thailand followed Hamas’ Oct. 2023 attack on Israel and the subsequent military mobilization. Many of the travelers are young reservists seeking rest after months of service. While some locals have expressed empathy for their need to decompress, others say the behavior of certain visitors has crossed the line.
Local business owners in Pai have also voiced frustration, describing Israeli guests as argumentative and demanding. “They don’t listen. They argue. They expect special treatment,” one manager was quoted as saying in a TikTok post.
The debate comes during a sensitive period in Thailand, following the death of Queen Mother Sirikit, mother of King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X). A nationwide mourning period has been declared, and visitors have been urged to act respectfully and dress modestly.
Thailand’s Tourism Authority office in Israel and local travel groups, including Lovers of Thailand in Israel and Sawasdee Club, expressed condolences to the Thai people and urged travelers to be mindful of local customs during the mourning period.
“Showing respect for the grief of our Thai friends and allies is an integral part of our friendship and partnership,” said Imri Kalmann, Thailand’s tourism representative in Israel. “Queen Mother Sirikit had an enormous influence on the Thai nation, together with her late husband, King Rama IX.”