Thai officials recommend revoking visa of Israeli woman after two complaints
A committee on Koh Phangan cites unpaid bills and alleged verbal abuse at a park and hotel as reasons for the move.
By Elijah Fitzgerald ·
A local committee on the Thai island of Koh Phangan has voted to end the visa of a 33-year-old Israeli visitor.
The Special Committee for Reviewing the Behavior of Foreign Nationals announced the recommendation on Thursday. The decision follows two formal police complaints filed against Einav Ashuel. Officials described the allegations as threatening and abusive conduct directed at hotel employees and tourists.
District administration records state that Ashuel used services at Than Sadet National Park and a hotel without paying. During these visits, she allegedly shouted, cursed, and insulted staff. The complaints also note that she threatened to physically harm both employees and other tourists.
The recommendation was made after a meeting chaired by District Chief Paisit Thongcharoen. Attendees included local police commanders, representatives from immigration and tourist police, and other senior officials. The group agreed to refer the case to immigration police for further action.
Authorities have not yet confirmed if Ashuel has been deported. Neither she nor Israel's Foreign Ministry has responded to the news. This incident adds to a string of enforcement actions involving foreign visitors in the area.
In late March, the same committee recommended revoking the visas of three Israelis. Those visitors had displayed Chabad flags and distributed leaflets for Passover activities on nearby Koh Tao. A report later indicated that those three individuals were deported. In September, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul signed a deportation order for Yaakov Ohayon. He was convicted of threats during a dispute at a zoo on Koh Samui and received a suspended 15-day prison sentence and a fine of 5,000 baht.
The island has seen broader crackdowns on foreign visitors. In early April, the district chief reported that 13 visas had been revoked for inappropriate behavior. In May, the Israeli Embassy in Bangkok issued a warning to travelers. It advised citizens to follow local rules after authorities in Phuket province imposed stricter penalties, including visa revocation for serious violations.
