Poll respondents demand Israeli visitors obey Thai laws

An opinion survey found most respondents were aware of behavioural issues among some Israeli people in Thailand and support strict law enforcement as a solution.

The National Institute of Development Administration conducted the survey by phone, questioning 1,410 Thais aged 18 or more from Sept 8-10. The respondents were in Bangkok, Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Surat Thani, Phuket and Mae Hong Son.

On Sept 10 there was a demonstration outside the Israeli embassy in Bangkok.

Of the respondents, 76.38% said they heard news reports about the improper behaviour of some Israelis in Thailand, 17.45% said they had not seen the reports and had no first-hand experience of such misbehaviour, 5.11% said they had first-hand experience, 4.33% had heard about it from eyewitnesses, and 3.48% said they had third-hand reports.

When the 1,164 respondents who experienced improper behaviour directly or indirectly were asked about it:

• 71.22% mentioned law violations
• 46.39% impolite words and insults to Thais
• 45.96% disrespect for Thai culture
• 40.03% disrespect for communities’ lifestyles
• 36.43% disrespect for public and private areas
• 31.44% land occupation through Thai proxies
• 29.04% business operations through Thai proxies
• 20.02% behaviour that may cause racial or religious conflict
• 19.93% establishment of Israeli cemeteries without consultation with locals
• 18.47% expansion of Israeli communities (18.47%)
• 16.41% overstaying visas
• 10.48% doing jobs reserved for Thais
• 10.22% running religious places
• 9.54% working in jobs outside their work permits
• 9.36% zero-dollar tour services (9.36%)

Meanwhile, 2.41% of the respondents said they had no dissatisfaction and 1.98% said they doubted negative news reports about Israelis in Thailand.

When the 1,164 respondents were asked about the measures that should be taken: 

• 77.49% said authorities should enforce laws strictly
• 45.45% said the government should reduce visa periods for Israelis
• 38.49% said the Israeli embassy should seriously ensure good among Israelis in Thailand
• 26.46% said Thais should protest against misbehaviour or wrongdoing by Israelis in Thailand
• 23.54% said the government should consider the impact of growing Israeli communities in Thailand on national security
• 17.53% said Thais should protest against the people who support misbehaviour or wrongdoing by Israelis in Thailand
• 6.62% want the government to deport wrongdoers.

Of the respondents, 1.20% said people should verify reports about Israeli misbehaviour, 1.12% recommended a gentle response, to protect tourism, and 2.75% said harsh responses could affect Thai workers in Israel.