Thai MP Kris Potranan questions the authorities over the massive settlement of Israelis in Phangan, fearing regional tensions and local disturbances.
At a press conference in the Thai Parliament on 6 May, Kris Potranan, MP from the Economy Party list, sounded the alarm over the presence of more than 7,000 Israelis on Koh Phangan.
According to him, around 4,000 Israelis are staying long-term on the island, thanks to long-stay visas or business activities, to which 3,000 tourists are added, bringing the total to more than 7,000 people.
“We are not saying that these 7,000 people are all bad; it’s not racism. But we see the problem: Israel is in conflict with Iran, and that’s what worries us. Their settlement in Thailand risks harming our sovereignty or drawing enemies from the Middle East.”
Kris Potranan emphasised that this situation concerns not only Phangan residents but all Thais. He points to problematic behaviours: loud parties, drug consumption, opening of illegal shops paid for via foreign apps – with no benefit to the Thai economy –, as well as clandestine hotels and schools.
“Is it profitable for Thailand to risk being drawn into this war? Israelis are flooding in via visa exemptions, without proper checks, allowing criminal elements to enter. Does the economic gain compensate for the social troubles to come?”
The MP urges the relevant agencies, including GORRM (operational group for maintaining order), the ministries of Interior and Foreign Affairs, to investigate and take action to prevent any risk of future attacks.