Alona Fisher-Kamm, the Israeli ambassador to Thailand, on Thursday reaffirmed cooperation with local authorities on tourism, business and public safety issues involving the southern province’s growing Israeli community.
Her visit comes amid increased scrutiny of alleged nominee businesses and other activities involving foreign nationals in popular tourist destinations, particularly Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, which are home to large numbers of Israeli visitors and long-term residents.
In talks with governor Chumpot Wannachatsiri and provincial officials, Ms Fisher-Kamm said the vast majority of Israelis in Thailand were law-abiding, although some individuals may have committed offences.
She said social media had contributed to misunderstandings and a sense of insecurity among some members of the public, and urged authorities to contact the Israeli embassy directly if any problems arose so both sides could work together to address them.
The ambassador said Israeli nationals travelling to Thailand are given preliminary information about local customs, cultural practices and legal restrictions.
She also highlighted several Israeli cooperation projects in Thailand, including an agricultural development initiative on Koh Samui. Ms Fisher-Kamm said she would invite the Surat Thani governor to attend a meeting in Israel in November.
Mr Chumpot said Surat Thani treated visitors from all countries equally and enforced the law without discrimination.
The province was committed to ensuring all tourists, regardless of nationality, could enjoy a safe and positive experience while visiting the area, he said.
The governor added that Israel’s agricultural development programmes could serve as useful case studies for Surat Thani. Provincial agencies were ready to support cooperation in areas including business, tourism and public safety through the relevant government offices, he said.
Ms Fisher-Kamm’s visit marked her fourth trip to Surat Thani. She was scheduled to preside over the opening of a primary school in Tha Chang district before holding discussions later in the day with Pol Maj Gen Suwat Suksri, the provincial police chief.
Communities under scrutiny
The ambassador’s visit comes amid heightened scrutiny of Israeli communities in several Thai tourist destinations, particularly Koh Phangan, where authorities have intensified investigations into alleged nominee businesses, unlicensed operations and other violations involving foreign nationals.
Earlier this year, local tourism operators on Koh Phangan called for continued action against illegal foreign-run businesses, while some politicians and residents voiced concerns over the rapid growth of the island’s Israeli community and its possible social, economic and security impacts.
Israeli officials and the Israeli embassy, meanwhile, have repeatedly emphasised the importance of complying with Thai laws and respecting local customs. The embassy has previously issued advisories urging Israeli nationals in Thailand to observe local regulations and cultural norms.
Koh Phangan is also home to one of Thailand’s six Chabad houses, which serve as religious and community centres for Israeli travellers and residents. The island attracted international attention in July when a secular Israeli group opened a community centre opposite the local Chabad House, describing it as an alternative gathering place for non-religious Israelis.
About 425,000 Israeli tourists visited Thailand in 2025, according to Immigration Bureau data, with a large majority favouring the islands of Surat Thani.
Local estimates place the number of long-stay Israeli nationals in Surat Thani at between 4,000 and 7,000 during peak periods.