Israeli Ambassador Discusses Cooperation With Chiang Mai Officials
Israel's ambassador to Thailand discussed expanding cooperation with Chiang Mai officials in tourism, education, and technology, while highlighting that 65,000 Thai workers are safely employed in Israel despite regional tensions.
Chiang Mai — On September 17, 2026, Israel's ambassador to Thailand met with Chiang Mai Deputy Governor Siwakorn Buapong to discuss cooperation in tourism, education, technology, agriculture, and Thai workers in Israel.
Ambassador Alona Fisher-Kamm met Siwakorn at Chiang Mai Provincial Hall, where she was welcomed by provincial officials and Chiang Mai tourist police.
The meeting covered potential cooperation in several areas, including the economy, academic exchanges, tourism, border security, technology, agriculture, and cybersecurity.
Siwakorn said Chiang Mai attracts visitors from around the world and that local authorities are prepared to provide security and assistance to tourists and foreigners of all nationalities. He also said Chiang Mai was willing to promote cooperation with Israel across various fields.
Fisher-Kamm said approximately 65,000 Thai workers are currently employed in Israel. Despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the number of Thai workers in Israel has continued to increase, she noted, adding that Thai workers there were being looked after and were safe.
Israel has also increased its annual quota for Thai agricultural workers from 16,000 to 18,000, according to the ambassador. However, some employment arrangements are currently based on business-to-business cooperation rather than government-to-government agreements.
Fisher-Kamm said a future government-to-government agreement could provide greater support and facilitate arrangements for Thai workers in Israel.
The ambassador also thanked Chiang Mai authorities for providing assistance and facilities to Israeli visitors and residents. She noted that the Israeli community in Chiang Mai regularly gathers on Fridays and expressed hope that cooperation between Israel and Chiang Mai could be expanded across different areas, particularly tourism.
Both sides said stronger cooperation could help promote closer ties and mutual exchanges between the two countries.
