Koh Phangan panel urges visa revocation for Israeli woman over unpaid services

Two police complaints formed the basis for a recommendation to strip the visa of Einav Ashuel, a 33-year-old Israeli citizen residing on Koh Phangan. The Special Committee for Reviewing the Behavior of Foreign Nationals announced the decision on Thursday, citing specific allegations of misconduct during her stays at local venues.

District Chief Paisit Thongcharoen chaired the committee meeting, which included local police commanders and representatives from immigration and tourist police. The panel reviewed evidence that Ashuel used services at Than Sadet National Park and a hotel without payment. Officials stated she shouted, cursed, and insulted staff during these incidents, with claims that she also threatened physical harm to employees and other tourists.

The committee referred the case to immigration police for further action. A statement from the Koh Phangan district administration noted that authorities have not yet confirmed whether the visa has been formally revoked or if Ashuel has been deported. Neither Ashuel nor Israel's Foreign Ministry provided a response to the committee's recommendation prior to the announcement.

This case follows a series of enforcement actions targeting foreign visitors on Thai islands. In late March, the same committee recommended revoking the visas of three Israelis who distributed Chabad materials and organized Passover activities on nearby Koh Tao. Thai officials said those actions worried residents and could disrupt public order. A report on a Chabad website indicated the three were subsequently deported.

In September, Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul signed a deportation order for Israeli citizen Yaakov Ohayon. He was convicted of making threats during a dispute at a zoo on Koh Samui and 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 over his conduct in the same dispute.

The island's approach extends beyond Israeli nationals. In early April, the Koh Phangan district chief announced that 13 foreign tourists had their visas revoked for inappropriate behavior. 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 warning to travelers after authorities in Phuket province stepped up enforcement of local laws, urging Israelis to follow local rules to avoid immigration consequences.