Koh Phangan officials vote to end stay of Israeli visitor

A local committee on the Thai island of Koh Phangan voted on Thursday to recommend the revocation of the visa of a 33-year-old Israeli tourist. The Special Committee for Reviewing the Behavior of Foreign Nationals made the decision following a review of two police complaints against Einav Ashuel.

According to a statement from the Koh Phangan district administration, Ashuel allegedly used services without paying during visits to Than Sadet National Park and a hotel. Officials said she shouted, cursed, and insulted staff. The complaints also alleged that she threatened to physically harm employees and tourists.

District Chief Paisit Thongcharoen chaired the Thursday meeting, which included local police commanders, immigration representatives, and senior local officials. The panel concluded its review by referring the case to immigration police for further action. Authorities have not yet confirmed if the visa has been formally revoked or if Ashuel has been deported.

This decision is part of a series of enforcement actions targeting foreign visitors in Thailand's popular destinations. In late March, the same committee recommended visa revocation for three Israelis who displayed Chabad flags and distributed leaflets on nearby Koh Tao. A Chabad website reported that those three individuals were later deported.

In September, Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul signed a deportation order for Israeli citizen Yaakov Ohayon. Ohayon had been convicted of making threats during a dispute at a Koh Samui zoo. He received a suspended 15-day prison sentence and a fine of 5,000 baht. A deportation order was also issued against the French owner of the zoo.

The district chief noted in early April that the visas of 13 foreign tourists had been revoked in the preceding period due to inappropriate behavior. In May, the Israeli Embassy in Bangkok issued a special warning to travelers after Phuket province stepped up local law enforcement. The embassy urged Israelis to follow local rules to avoid legal or immigration consequences.