Activist Sondhi Limthongkul on Thursday rallied supporters outside the Israeli Embassy in Bangkok, where he called on Israel to monitor the behaviour of its citizens in Thailand, cooperate with investigations into Chabad centres and land ownership, and end military violence against civilians in Gaza.

About 200 supporters gathered outside the Israeli Embassy on Sukhumvit Soi 21 in Bangkok, where Sondhi attempted to submit a letter addressed to Israeli Ambassador Alona Fisher-Kamm.

The rally attracted flag-waving Thai nationalists concerned about foreign control of Thai land, as well as a handful of foreigners opposed to Israeli military activity. One Thai participant, perhaps unaware of the Nazi associations of the phrase, waved a “Jews Out” placard.

The demonstration was the first major protest activity under Mr Sondhi’s newly launched “Take Our Thailand Back” campaign, which he announced earlier this week. He has stressed that the aim is not to topple the current government but to make it do more to protect Thai sovereignty and citizens.

Embassy officials informed rally organisers that no staff were working there on Thursday. According to Mr Sondhi, the embassy offered him an opportunity to meet the ambassador privately at a later date.

He rejected the offer, saying the campaign was being conducted on behalf of Thai citizens and was not a personal matter. 

Mr Sondhi then read out his open letter in English and Thai. It called on the Israeli government and embassy to take “concrete action” in response to concerns over the conduct of some Israelis in Thailand.

It alleged that some Israeli tourists and residents had violated Thai laws, caused disturbances in local communities, shown disrespect towards local customs and culture, and been involved in fraud and non-payment disputes.

The letter also raised concerns about the expansion of Chabad houses — community centres for Jewish people — as well as land acquisitions in Chachoengsao province. Chabad houses, the letter said, were intended to “advance the objectives orchestrated and funded by international Zionist networks”.