Rabbi Nehemiah Wilhelm, Thailand’s most senior rabbi, has addressed concerns regarding Israeli tourists in Pai, Mae Hong Son province, stating that their visits are purely for leisure and not for settlement. His remarks come amid online reports alleging that tens of thousands of Israelis have moved to the area with the intention of taking it over.
Wilhelm refuted these claims, clarifying that only around 40-50 Israelis reside in Pai at any given time, while most tourists from Israel stay for just a few weeks before returning home. He acknowledged that some Israeli visitors can be noisy or cause minor disturbances but emphasized their love for Thailand and its culture.
The discussion follows complaints that some Israeli tourists have been violating Thai laws, including smoking cannabis in public. Additionally, reports surfaced that the local Chabad House was allegedly preventing Thai citizens from entering. Wilhelm dismissed this, explaining that the screening process applies to all visitors to ensure security and prevent weapons from being brought inside.
The issue drew the attention of Thai Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who traveled to Pai to assess the situation. During his visit, he met with Wilhelm and Israel’s ambassador to Thailand, Orna Sagiv. Mae Hong Son Governor Ekkawit Meepian also confirmed that allegations of an Israeli takeover were false, stating that the tourists pose no security threat and visit the area solely for relaxation.
