World Immigration News

Israelis under Thai immigration microscope in Pai

Release Date
2025-02-20
Media
Bangkokpost
Summary
The Thai Immigration Bureau has announced an investigation into the activities, visa status, and work permits of Israelis living in Pai following complaints from local residents. Authorities will work closely with local police in Mae Hong Son province to check for overstays, illegal employment, or other violations.

The investigation found no cases of Israeli overstays, as many hold 60-day visas with the option to extend for up to 90 days. Reports claiming that 30,000 Israelis entered Mae Hong Son last year were incorrect; actual numbers range from 1,200 to 1,500 per month, peaking at 3,000 during the cool season.

Recently, several incidents involving Israeli nationals have been reported, the most notable being four Israelis vandalizing the emergency room at Pai Hospital while attempting to visit an injured compatriot. They were fined 3,000 baht each, had their tourist visas revoked, were deported to Israel, and have been permanently banned from re-entering Thailand.
Tags
THAILAND