Thai authorities intervened following the revocation of visas for three Israeli nationals on Koh Tao, in the Koh Phangan archipelago. They are accused of parading with flags bearing religious symbols, organising meetings via WhatsApp and distributing leaflets.
Shortly after the visa revocation decision, a high-level delegation consisting of Col. Surasak Surinkaeo, deputy commander of the Immigration Investigation Division, and Col. Narawat Phutthawiro, head of Immigration for Surat Thani province, went yesterday to Koh Tao, in the amphoe of Koh Phangan, to take action against three tourists.
This intervention follows a meeting of the Koh Phangan committee responsible for examining the behaviour of foreigners. The committee decided to revoke the tourist visas of these three individuals for actions deemed inappropriate and likely to disturb public order.
The authorities reproach them in particular for wandering the area carrying flags with religious symbols, for inviting people to gather via the WhatsApp application and for distributing leaflets to organise activities on Koh Tao.
Immigration authorities have confirmed that legal proceedings will be initiated and that the three men will be deported from the Kingdom of Thailand as soon as possible.