Koh Phangan Officials: Israeli Woman's Visa Should Be Revoked Over Abuse Claims

A committee on the Thai island of Koh Phangan recommended on Thursday that authorities revoke the visa of Einav Ashuel, a 33-year-old Israeli woman. Local police received two complaints against her alleging threatening and abusive behavior toward employees and tourists.

The district administration stated that Ashuel used services without paying during visits to Than Sadet National Park and a local hotel. Officials said she shouted, cursed, and insulted staff while threatening to physically harm both employees and visitors.

District Chief Paisit Thongcharoen chaired the meeting where the recommendation was made. The session included local police commanders, representatives from immigration and tourist police, and senior local officials. The group referred 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. Neither Ashuel nor Israel's Foreign Ministry has responded to the news.

This case follows a series of enforcement actions involving foreign visitors, particularly Israelis, in Thailand's popular destinations. In late March, the same committee recommended revoking the visas of three Israelis. These individuals displayed Chabad Messiah flags, handed out leaflets, and used WhatsApp groups to invite people to Passover activities on nearby Koh Tao. Thai officials said the activities worried residents and business owners. A Chabad website report indicated the three were later 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. A court gave him a suspended 15-day prison sentence and a 5,000 baht fine. A deportation order was also issued against the zoo's French owner over his conduct in the same dispute.

The stricter approach is not limited to Israeli nationals. In early April, the Koh Phangan district chief announced that the visas of 13 foreign tourists had been revoked for inappropriate behavior. He said 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 Phuket authorities stepped up local law enforcement. The embassy urged Israelis to follow local rules to avoid legal or immigration consequences.