Thailand's Tourism Minister has announced the revocation of an Israeli tourist's visa after he was accused of putting a bounty on the head of a zoo owner on Koh Samui island.
Tourism and Sports Minister, Surasak Phancharoenworakul, stated on 25 August in Bangkok that Thai authorities had revoked the visa of an Israeli tourist accused of causing disturbances and threatening the owner of a zoo on Koh Samui island.
Speaking to the press, the minister clarified that the visitor had been accused of behaving as if he held special influence in Thailand. His visa revocation has already been issued, preventing him from remaining in the country.
« Thailand is ready to welcome all tourists who respect Thai laws and culture. We will not allow anyone to use our country to create symbolic conflicts that do not concern us. We welcome visitors, but not those who come to sow problems or express conflicts foreign to our nation. »
According to Surasak Phancharoenworakul, the government is closely monitoring incidents involving foreign tourists. The Prime Minister has instructed provincial authorities, tourist police and regional law enforcement to respond swiftly to any issues.
When asked about a possible review of visas granted to nationals of certain countries, the minister indicated that each case would be handled individually:
« If there is a problem, we will proceed with an expedited visa revocation », he stated, emphasising that the measures would not target any particular nationality.
The Tourist Authority of Thailand has also asked embassies and airlines to distribute information on local laws and customs before departure so that travellers know what is permitted and what constitutes an offence.