Thai Panel Recommends Revoking Visa of Israeli Woman After Two Complaints
Koh Phangan officials cite unpaid bills and verbal abuse as reasons for the proposed immigration action against Einav Ashuel.
By Marco Whitaker ·
Two formal police complaints have triggered a recommendation to revoke the visa of a 33-year-old Israeli woman living on the Thai island of Koh Phangan. The Special Committee for Reviewing the Behavior of Foreign Nationals announced the decision on Thursday. The committee’s chair, District Chief Paisit Thongcharoen, led the meeting where local police commanders, immigration representatives, and tourist police officials voted for the action. The case has now been referred to immigration police for further processing.
The complaints allege that Einav Ashuel engaged in threatening and abusive behavior toward hotel employees and tourists. Officials state that during visits to Than Sadet National Park and a local hotel, she used services without paying the required fees. The district administration’s statement details that she shouted, cursed, and insulted staff. It also claims she threatened to physically harm employees and visitors. These specific incidents formed the basis for the committee’s review of her conduct on the island.
This enforcement action follows a pattern of stricter oversight for foreign visitors in Thailand’s popular tourist areas. In late March, the same committee recommended revoking the visas of three Israelis on the nearby island of Koh Tao. Those individuals had displayed Chabad Messiah flags, handed out leaflets, and used WhatsApp groups to invite people to Passover activities. Thai officials stated that these actions worried local residents, business owners, and other tourists, potentially disrupting public order. A report from a Chabad website indicated that the three were subsequently deported.
Another high-profile case occurred in September involving Israeli citizen Yaakov Ohayon. Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul signed a deportation order against him after he was 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 later issued against the zoo’s French owner over his conduct in the same incident.
The island’s district chief noted in early April that the visas of 13 foreign tourists had been revoked for inappropriate behavior in the preceding period. He stated that inspections and monitoring would continue to protect the safety of residents and visitors. In May, the Israeli Embassy in Bangkok issued a special warning to travelers. The embassy noted that local officials in Phuket province had been instructed to impose stricter penalties on violators, including visa revocation for serious cases. It urged Israelis in Thailand to follow local rules to avoid legal or immigration consequences.
As of Thursday, authorities have not confirmed whether Ashuel’s visa has been formally revoked or if she has been deported. Responses from Ashuel and from Israel’s Foreign Ministry have not yet been received.
