An MP from the Economic Party has called on state agencies to address concerns over a growing Israeli community on Koh Phangan in Surat Thani, warning the situation could pose security and sovereignty risks for Thailand.
List-MP Chris Potranandana said on Wednesday around 4,000 Israeli people are living on the island on a long-stay basis, including those holding extended visas and running businesses, alongside some 3,000 tourists.
He said not all individuals were problematic and his remarks were not intended to stigmatise any nationality.
However, he raised concerns about the broader geopolitical context, referring to the war in the Middle East involving Israel.
He also warned that the expanding presence of Israeli nationals in Thailand could expose the country to external risks, given Israel's adversarial relationships with several nations in the region.
Mr Chris said the issue has drawn increasing public attention, not only among Koh Phangan residents but across Thailand.
He also cited complaints about allegedly disruptive behaviour by some Israeli visitors, including noise disturbances, drug use and their running unlicensed businesses.
These include informal hotels, schools and retail outlets, as well as financial transactions conducted through foreign-based applications that may not contribute to the local economy, he said.
He also pointed to religious gathering sites such as Chabad centres as potential targets amid conflicts, and questioned the impact of visa-free entry policies.
