Koh Phangan Panel Recommends Visa Cancellation for 33-Year-Old Israeli Woman
Local authorities cited two police complaints regarding unpaid services and verbal abuse during visits to a national park and a hotel.
By Lorenzo Evans ·
The Special Committee for Reviewing the Behavior of Foreign Nationals on Koh Phangan recommended revoking the visa of Einav Ashuel, a 33-year-old Israeli citizen, on Thursday. The panel made this decision following two police complaints filed against her for conduct toward staff and other visitors.
District Chief Paisit Thongcharoen chaired the meeting, which was attended by local police commanders, immigration officials, and tourist police representatives. The committee referred the case to immigration police for further action. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the visa has been formally revoked or if Ashuel has been deported. Responses from Ashuel and the Israeli Foreign Ministry were not immediately available.
The district administration stated that the complaints alleged threatening and abusive behavior. Officials said that during visits to Than Sadet National Park and a local hotel, Ashuel used services without paying. They further alleged she shouted, cursed, insulted staff, and threatened physical harm to employees and tourists.
This enforcement action follows a series of similar cases involving Israeli visitors in Thailand. In late March, the same committee recommended revoking the visas of three Israelis on Koh Tao. Those individuals had displayed Chabad flags, distributed leaflets, and used WhatsApp groups to promote Passover activities. Thai officials said the actions worried residents and could disrupt public order. 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 Yaakov Ohayon, an Israeli citizen convicted of making threats during a dispute at a zoo on Koh Samui. A court had given Ohayon 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 for his conduct in the same incident.
The island's stricter approach extends beyond Israeli visitors. In early April, the Koh Phangan district chief announced that visas for 13 foreign tourists had been revoked for inappropriate behavior. He stated that inspections would continue to protect residents and visitors. In May, the Israeli Embassy in Bangkok issued a warning to travelers after Phuket authorities stepped up law enforcement, urging Israelis to follow local rules to avoid immigration consequences.
