Thai Police Chief Kittharath Punpetch has issued an order giving officers seven days to investigate the activities of foreign nationals in Pai district, Mae Hong Son, due to allegations of illegal actions and disruptions.
The order responds to an increase in complaints against Israelis residing in the tourist hotspot in the north, which has spurred the spread of false information online.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra refuted claims on Tuesday that several Israelis in Pai had posted signs prohibiting Thai people from entering their properties.
Another claim suggested that some Israelis consider Pai to be a new “promised land,” with over 30,000 reportedly relocating there.
“Hold on a moment,” said Ms. Paetongtarn. “We’ve already verified that this is not true.”
Reports from local media estimate the Israeli population in Pai at about 3,000.
Pai has become so popular among Israelis that a Chabad—a Hebrew word for community center—has been established near the local police station, serving as a venue for both social gatherings and Jewish religious ceremonies.
However, some locals have voiced concerns over frequent noisy gatherings at the Chabad of Pai.
It has been reported that some Thai eateries in the town have started refusing service to Israelis.
Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul intends to visit the area next week to assess the situation firsthand, according to Ms. Paetongtarn.
In the meantime, Pol Gen Kittharath has mandated a nationwide check into complaints of foreigners engaging in misconduct, according to Pol Lt Gen Achayon Kraithong, Royal Thai Police spokesperson.
The chief has tasked the Metropolitan Police Bureau and Provincial Police Regions 1-9 to collaborate with the Immigration Bureau to scrutinize the conduct of foreign nationals and groups displaying inappropriate behavior.
They are instructed to relay their findings to the Combating Transnational Criminals and Illegal Immigrants Center, which will formulate a strategy for intervention, stated Pol Lt Gen Achayon.
Local police stations have also been directed to ensure that foreigners found breaking the law face suitable legal repercussions, added the police spokesperson. A response is expected within a week.
Additionally, the Immigration Bureau is considering the cancellation of visas for foreign nationals whose actions threaten public order and safety.
Simultaneously, the Tourist Police Bureau has been tasked with initiating PR campaigns to promote positive tourism practices.
Locals in Pai have recently reported numerous incidents involving Israelis, including a notable case where four Israelis caused a disturbance in the emergency room at Pai Hospital to see an injured friend, resulting in fines and deportations.
