The Hebrew-language outlet Walla has acknowledged a dramatic deterioration in the position of Zionists in Thailand, reporting mounting public anger, demands for restrictions on Israeli nationals and growing resistance to institutions linked to Israel.
In a report by journalist Yoav Itiel, Walla described the developments as a major blow to Israel’s years-long efforts to establish an extensive network of economic, religious and social influence in Thailand.
More than 450,000 Israelis are expected to visit Thailand this year, while approximately 60,000 Thai nationals work in occupied Palestine. However, growing resentment toward Zionist activities has increasingly challenged the relationship.
The backlash has extended beyond individual Israelis accused of violating local laws, with protests targeting Israeli-linked businesses, property acquisitions, educational institutions and Chabad centers.
Protests target Israeli-linked institutions
Opposition has intensified in Phuket, where two demonstrations were held on Saturday, including one outside the Chabad House in Patong and another at Saphan Hin under the slogan “Taking Back Thailand.”
Approximately 400 people and representatives of around 20 organizations reportedly attended the second rally, demanding the closure of Chabad centers and restrictions on Israeli tourists.
Sondhi Limthongkul, a prominent Thai media figure and former leader of the Yellow Shirts movement, has emerged as a leading figure in the campaign.
He has demanded that Israeli tourists be allowed to stay in Thailand for no more than 15 days per visit, accusing them of damaging local businesses, establishing commercial operations primarily serving Israelis and driving away European tourists.
Another activist, Saichol Noochot, has demanded the closure of Chabad houses across Thailand and the revocation of citizenship granted to naturalized Israelis.
The demonstrations have also featured anti-Zionist slogans and criticism of Israel’s expanding economic presence
Chabad leader stripped of Thai citizenship
The protests come amid an unprecedented government decision to revoke the Thai citizenship of Rabbi Yosef Chaim Kantor, the head of Chabad in Thailand for more than three decades.
On October 28, Thai Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul signed the order, citing Kantor’s continued use of his American passport for trips to Australia after becoming a naturalized Thai citizen in 2013.
Kantor, who arrived in Bangkok in 1993, also founded the Bangkok Kashrut Committee and established an extensive network of Chabad activities.
Chabad has announced plans to challenge the decision through legal channels, while its centers continue operating.
Thai authorities have also conducted repeated inspections of the Chabad House in Phuket. An initial inspection found no irregularities in the financial transactions examined, although certain deficiencies were identified concerning the building’s use.
Years of Israeli influence face growing resistance
Walla traced the deterioration to a series of controversies involving Israeli nationals, including arrests over unauthorized employment, disturbances and violations of local regulations.
In 2025, protests erupted on Koh Phangan over foreign property acquisitions and the growing Israeli presence. Opposition has since expanded into demands for investigations into property purchases through Thai intermediaries.
Limthongkul has also accused Israeli-linked networks of exercising excessive economic influence, although his sweeping financial claims have not been substantiated.
The growing hostility toward Zionists in Thailand comes amid an international backlash against the Israeli regime over the genocide in Gaza and its continued occupation of Palestinian territories.
For the Israeli regime, the developments represent a serious setback to its efforts to consolidate influence in Southeast Asia. The growing protests, increased regulatory scrutiny and mounting public opposition demonstrate that the Israeli regime’s longstanding efforts to cultivate a favorable environment for its nationals and institutions in Thailand are facing an increasingly uncertain future.
