Koh Phangan: Israeli woman faces visa revocation over staff disputes

An island panel in Thailand has moved to end the legal stay of a 33-year-old Israeli tourist.

The Special Committee for Reviewing the Behavior of Foreign Nationals on Koh Phangan issued the recommendation on Thursday. The panel cited two police complaints against Einav Ashuel. Officials described the allegations as threatening and abusive conduct directed at hotel employees and tourists. The district administration stated that Ashuel used services at Than Sadet National Park and a hotel without payment. Staff reported that she shouted, cursed, and insulted them during these visits. The complaints also noted threats of physical harm.

District Chief Paisit Thongcharoen chaired the Thursday meeting. Local police commanders, immigration officials, and tourist police representatives attended the session. The committee referred the case to immigration police for further action. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the visa has been formally revoked or if Ashuel has been deported. Responses from Ashuel and the Israeli Foreign Ministry were not available at the time of the announcement.

This action follows a pattern of enforcement on the island involving foreign visitors. In late March, the same committee recommended revoking visas for three Israelis. Those individuals had displayed Chabad Messiah flags and used WhatsApp groups to invite people to Passover activities on nearby Koh Tao. Officials said the religious activities worried local residents and business owners. A Chabad website later reported that the three were deported.

The stricter approach extends to other recent cases. In September, Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul signed a deportation order for Israeli citizen Yaakov Ohayon. Ohayon was convicted of making threats during a dispute at a Koh Samui zoo. He received a suspended 15-day prison sentence and a fine of 5,000 baht. A deportation order was also issued for the French owner of the zoo involved in the same dispute.

The island has targeted non-Israeli visitors as well. In early April, the district chief announced that 13 foreign tourists lost their visas for inappropriate behavior. He stated that inspections would continue to protect residents and visitors. In May, the Israeli Embassy in Bangkok issued a special warning to travelers. The embassy noted that authorities in Phuket province were imposing stricter penalties, including visa revocation for serious violations.

The panel's decision places Ashuel's case within a wider effort to manage visitor conduct on popular Thai islands.