Israeli Ambassador Seeks Safety Assurances for Visitors in Surat Thani
Israel's ambassador to Thailand requested safety assurances for Israeli tourists and residents in Surat Thani during a meeting with provincial officials on August 13. The governor pledged equal treatment for all visitors and expressed inter
SURAT THANI — Israel's ambassador to Thailand has asked Surat Thani authorities to help ensure the safety and well-being of Israeli tourists, long-term residents and business operators in the province.
Ambassador Alona Fisher-Kamm made the request during a meeting with Surat Thani Governor Jumphot Wannachatsiri and provincial officials at the provincial hall on 13 August.
Fisher-Kamm said most Israelis were law-abiding and well-behaved, while acknowledging that some individuals could commit offences. She said Israel, like other countries, has both good and bad individuals, adding that social media can sometimes create misunderstandings and make people feel unsafe.
The ambassador asked provincial authorities to contact the Israeli Embassy directly if problems involving Israeli nationals arise so that the two sides can work together to resolve them. She said Israeli authorities had already provided visitors with basic guidance on Thai customs, culture and local laws, including prohibited activities.
Israel currently has five projects aimed at promoting cooperation in Thailand, including a high-value agricultural development project in Koh Samui, she said. Fisher-Kamm also said she planned to invite the Surat Thani governor to attend a meeting in Israel in November.
Governor Jumphot said Surat Thani treats tourists from all countries equally and takes legal action against anyone who violates Thai law regardless of nationality. He said provincial authorities were committed to providing transparent and equal treatment to visitors of all nationalities to ensure they feel safe and have a positive experience in the province.
Jumphot also welcomed potential cooperation with Israel on high-value agriculture, saying Israeli projects could provide useful examples for Surat Thani to study. He said provincial agencies were ready to coordinate with Israeli businesses and visitors, directing business-related matters to the provincial commerce office, tourism issues to the provincial tourism and sports office, and security concerns to provincial police and immigration authorities.
The two officials exchanged souvenirs before concluding the meeting. Fisher-Kamm was making her fourth visit to Surat Thani. During the visit, she was scheduled to preside over the opening of Khuan La School in Tha Chang district and meet with the Surat Thani provincial police chief later in the day.
