Thai Police Investigate Foreign Nationals in Pai Amid Public Disturbances and Complaints
Thai police chief Kittharath Punpetch has issued a seven-day deadline for officers to investigate foreign nationals living in Pai district, Mae Hong Son, over allegations of illegal activities and public disturbances.
The directive follows a surge in complaints about Israelis residing in the popular northern tourist town, sparking rumors and misinformation circulating online. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra dismissed reports that Israelis in Pai had placed signs banning Thais from entering their properties, calling it false information. Another unfounded claim suggested that over 30,000 Israelis had moved to Pai, claiming the town as a “promised land.” The actual population of Israelis in Pai is estimated to be around 3,000, according to local media.
Pai’s Israeli community is prominent enough to have established a Chabad (Jewish community center) near the local police station, which serves as a gathering place for religious services. However, local residents have expressed concern about noisy parties taking place at the Chabad.
Some Thai restaurants have even reported banning Israelis from their premises. In response, Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul plans a visit to Pai next week to assess the situation further.
Meanwhile, Pol Gen Kittharath has ordered a nationwide investigation into foreign nationals involved in inappropriate or illegal behavior, which could tarnish Thailand’s image and compromise national security. The Royal Thai Police has instructed the Metropolitan Police Bureau and Provincial Police Regions 1-9 to collaborate with the Immigration Bureau to investigate foreign nationals engaging in disruptive activities. These efforts will focus on creating a plan to address such concerns.
Police stations are being asked to review whether appropriate legal action has been taken against foreigners violating the law, with a seven-day deadline to report their findings. The Immigration Bureau is also tasked with considering the revocation of permits for foreign nationals whose behavior poses a threat to public safety.
In the meantime, the Tourist Police Bureau will initiate public relations campaigns to promote positive tourism in Thailand.
Recent reports from Pai have highlighted incidents involving Israeli nationals, including a widely publicized event where four Israelis vandalized the emergency room at Pai Hospital after barging in to see a fellow countryman treated for a motorcycle accident. The individuals were fined, deported, and permanently banned from entering Thailand.
