Koh Phangan Officials Recommend Ending Visa of Israeli Visitor
The island’s special committee cited two police complaints alleging unpaid bills and verbal abuse during visits to a national park and a hotel.
By Yasmin Duda ·
A review panel on the Thai island of Koh Phangan has advised immigration authorities to cancel the visa of a 33-year-old Israeli woman. The recommendation follows formal complaints regarding her conduct toward local staff and other visitors.
The Special Committee for Reviewing the Behavior of Foreign Nationals made the decision on Thursday. District Chief Paisit Thongcharoen chaired the session, which included local police commanders and representatives from immigration and tourist police units. The committee referred the file to immigration police for next steps.
According to the district administration, local police received two complaints against Einav Ashuel. Officials stated that during visits to Than Sadet National Park and a hotel, she used services without paying. They also alleged that she shouted, cursed, insulted employees, and threatened physical harm.
This case is part of a recent series of enforcement actions targeting foreign visitors in Thai island destinations. In late March, the same committee recommended revoking the visas of three Israelis who distributed Chabad Messiah flags and leaflets on nearby Koh Tao. A Chabad website reported that the three were subsequently 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. Ohayon received 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.
The district chief noted in early April that 13 foreign tourist visas had been revoked for inappropriate behavior. He stated that inspections would continue to protect residents and visitors. The Israeli Embassy in Bangkok issued a warning to travelers in May after Phuket province stepped up law enforcement.
Authorities have not yet confirmed if Ashuel has been deported or if her visa has been formally cancelled. Neither Ashuel nor Israel's Foreign Ministry has responded to requests for comment as of the publication date.
Source: The Jerusalem Post
