Thai Island Committee Recommends Revoking Visa of Israeli Woman Over Alleged Abuse of Staff

Authorities on the Thai island of Koh Phangan have recommended revoking the visa of an Israeli woman following complaints about her behavior toward hotel employees and tourists. The move is the latest in a series of enforcement actions involving foreign visitors in Thailand's popular island destinations.

The Special Committee for Reviewing the Behavior of Foreign Nationals on Koh Phangan announced on Thursday that it had recommended the step against Einav Ashuel, who is 33. Local police had received complaints alleging "threatening and abusive behavior toward employees and tourists."

According to a statement from the Koh Phangan district administration, two police complaints were filed against her. Officials allege that during visits to Than Sadet National Park and a hotel, she used services without paying, shouted, cursed, insulted staff, and even threatened to physically harm employees and tourists.

The recommendation came after a Thursday meeting chaired by District Chief Paisit Thongcharoen. Local police commanders, representatives of the immigration and tourist police, and senior local officials attended. The committee referred the case to immigration police for further action.

Authorities have not confirmed whether the visa has actually been revoked or whether Ashuel has been deported. Responses from Ashuel and from Israel's Foreign Ministry have not yet been received.

The case follows others involving Israelis in Thailand. In late March, the same committee recommended revoking the visas of three Israelis who had displayed Chabad "Messiah" flags, handed out leaflets, and used WhatsApp groups to invite people to Passover activities on nearby Koh Tao. Thai officials said at the time that the activities had worried residents, business owners, and tourists and could disrupt public order. A report on a Chabad website said the three were later deported.

In September, Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul signed a deportation order against Israeli citizen Yaakov Ohayon. He had been convicted of making threats during a dispute involving a zoo on Koh Samui. A court gave him a suspended 15-day prison sentence and a fine of 5,000 baht. A deportation order was also later issued against the zoo's owner, a French citizen, over his conduct in the same dispute.

The tougher approach is not aimed only at Israelis. In early April, the Koh Phangan district chief announced that visas of 13 foreign tourists had been revoked in the preceding period because of inappropriate behavior. He said 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 Israeli travelers after authorities in Phuket province stepped up enforcement of local laws. The embassy said local officials had been told to impose stricter penalties on violators, including visa revocation in serious cases, and urged Israelis in Thailand to follow local rules to avoid legal or immigration consequences.