Surat Thani MP Pipith Rattanarak categorically refutes rumours of a takeover of Koh Phangan by Israelis. He describes these reports as fabricated « dramas » and explains the current influx by the war in the Middle East which is preventing some tourists from returning home.
As Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, also Interior Minister, is due to visit the island of Koh Phangan in Surat Thani province tomorrow, 13 May, to inspect issues with companies registered via foreign nominees, the local MP has reacted firmly.
See also: Nearly 30% of Foreign Residents are Israelis, Locals Fear Island Colonisation
On the eve of the Thai Prime Minister's visit to Koh Phangan, Pipith Rattanarak, MP for constituency 2 of the Bhumjaithai party which covers Koh Phangan and Koh Samui, gave an interview to Thai Post newspaper to refute allegations of a massive Israeli 'colonisation'.
According to him, the residents of Koh Phangan are living normally and encountering no problems. Several security services, including the Internal Security Operations Command and the 4th Army Corps, have already visited the site several times and confirmed the real situation.
« Good people, whether Israeli, Chinese or Burmese, are welcome as tourists. Only harmful elements must be removed », he insisted.
The parliamentarian concedes the existence of a few companies registered via nominees. He calls for a thorough investigation into the origin of these companies, their business purpose and the reliability of the declarants.
« As for the Israelis breaking the law in Koh Phangan, I confirm that the competent authorities are already dealing with them. »
Pipith Rattanarak describes the circulated information as « exaggerated media noise » and « drama created for sensationalism ». The island's residents, according to him, are not worried and coexist without difficulty.
« The Israelis haven't just landed in Koh Phangan. They've been travelling there for over twenty years. Many of them are good tourists who support the local economy. Those who don't respect the law are dealt with according to regulations. »
He explains the temporary increase in the number of Israeli nationals by the geopolitical context: due to the war with Iran, some do not wish to return home for the moment. In normal times, European tourists arrive mainly in May and June, but the current crisis is prolonging the Israeli presence.
Regarding rumours of construction of places of worship or 'takeover' of territory, the MP confirms that a few cases exist but they are being handled strictly according to the law by immigration services, particularly regarding passports and visas.
He also denies the figure of 7,000 Israelis circulating in the media. As the constituency's elected representative, he claims to know the ground reality perfectly.
« I confirm as MP for the Koh Phangan area that this occupation story is not true. There may be a few isolated cases, but offenders are prosecuted and law-abiding tourists are welcome, as are those of all nationalities. »