Following complaints from local residents about disturbances and inappropriate behavior by Israeli tourists: Thai police raided a Chabad house in the city of Pai on February 11 and searched the site.
According to a report by Eran Sikural, the investigation did not turn up evidence of illegal activity, but tensions surrounding the presence of Israeli tourists in the area continue.
According to the report, there has been an increase in complaints against Israeli tourists for inappropriate behavior. One of the most notable cases occurred at the Pai hospital, where four Israelis were accused of harassing medical staff, causing damage to property, and refusing to cooperate with medical treatment.
Following the incident, they were fined and required to leave the country.
Local residents have expressed concern that the presence of Israeli tourists in Pai is deterring other visitors and leading to a decline in revenue. They claim that Israelis come in large groups, haggle over prices and spend little money at local businesses.
As a result, local business owners in Pai began to avoid serving Israelis, and some even hung signs declaring that they did not accept tourists from Israel.
According to the report, rumors have even spread on local social media that Israelis are establishing a "promised land" in Pai, where some 30,000 Israelis supposedly live.
The rumors, reminiscent of past anti-Semitic conspiracy theories, have raised concerns among the local community. Despite the rumors, local police have clarified that the number of Israelis living in Pai is significantly smaller than the number circulated online.
In fact, some 31,735 Israelis visited the city over the past year, but most of them stayed there for only short periods. Of all foreign tourists who came to Pai in 2024, Israelis constituted the second largest group.
Following the growing tension - Thai Prime Minister Phatthana Shinawatra denied the allegations and clarified that the government is monitoring the situation. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul is expected to arrive in the city next week to closely examine the situation and meet with local officials.
The Chabad House in Pai, like other branches in Thailand, serves as a religious and community center for Jewish tourists, but does not indicate a trend toward permanent settlement in the area.
Pai is a small town in northern Thailand, in Mae Hong Son Province, near the border with Myanmar. It is located in a picturesque valley, about 130 km north of Chiang Mai, and is accessible via a winding mountain road.
Pai is known for its beautiful mountain scenery, hot springs, waterfalls, and relaxed atmosphere that attracts tourists, especially backpackers and hikers. The town has become popular among Israeli travelers.
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