Pai Fights Back: Misinformation Fuels Anti-Israel Threats to Tourism
The idyllic northern Thai town of Pai, renowned for its tranquil atmosphere and stunning natural beauty, is grappling with the fallout from a recent incident involving four Israeli tourists and the subsequent spread of misinformation on social media. The incident, a disturbance at Pai Hospital on February 6th resulting in the deportation of the four individuals, fueled existing anxieties about foreign nationals in this popular tourist destination. These anxieties escalated into unsubstantiated rumors, including claims that Israelis are «taking over» Pai and establishing a «new Promised Land.»
Responding to local concerns, National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Kittirat Phanphet launched a seven-day investigation on February 17th into the activities of foreign nationals in the district. Deputy National Police Chief Gen. Samran Nualma is overseeing the operation, coordinating with relevant units to ensure proactive law enforcement.
However, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra intervened on February 18th, unequivocally dismissing the circulating rumors as inaccurate. She refuted the claim that over 30,000 Israelis reside in Pai (population: just over 38,000), clarifying that this figure represents the cumulative number of Israeli tourist check-ins throughout the year, not the resident population. Further emphasizing the government’s commitment, the Prime Minister announced that Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul would visit Pai the following week.
To counter the online misinformation, Pol. Lt. Col. Suwit Boonyapen, Mae Hong Son Tourist Police Inspector, provided clarifying data. He confirmed Pai’s population as approximately 38,000 and stated that the daily average of Israeli visitors is merely 83–84. Contrary to popular belief, British tourists constitute the largest visitor group, followed by Israelis, Americans, and Germans. He also addressed concerns about the local Chabad, a Jewish synagogue, clarifying that it serves purely religious purposes, hosting services on Fridays and Saturdays with a dining capacity of approximately 200 people. It is one of seven such facilities in Thailand, with similar establishments in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Koh Samui, Pattaya, and Koh Phangan.
Reinforcing these clarifications, Pol. Maj. Gen. Songkrit Ontakhrai, Mae Hong Son Provincial Police Commander, confirmed that the synagogue operates strictly within the confines of religious practice and does not host parties or serve as a gathering point for troublemakers, contradicting social media assertions.
The burgeoning anti-Israeli sentiment, however, is already impacting local businesses. Avuth Jetsadakraisorn, owner of The Peacock de Pai hotel, expressed concern about the negative impact, noting that Israeli tourists have begun relocating to Chiang Rai. He appealed for a broader perspective, emphasizing that while laws exist to address disruptive behavior, blanket opposition is damaging Pai’s reputation. He eloquently described Pai as «already a pure, peaceful place with good culture» and urged an end to the negative narrative to safeguard its future and the livelihoods dependent on tourism from all nationalities.
Nationally, the Tourist Police confirmed that all foreign nationals enter Thailand legally and that authorities diligently enforce laws concerning tourist activities, including car rentals, tubing, and cannabis use. Ongoing inter-agency discussions are shaping long-term strategies. The Immigration Department, responsible for visa reviews and deportations, reaffirmed its impartial approach, emphasizing that any foreigner engaging in disruptive behavior, regardless of nationality, will face legal consequences. Officials stressed the baseless nature of claims regarding a «promised land» or Thai job displacement, underscoring the vigilant law enforcement and regular public communication efforts of relevant agencies. The situation in Pai highlights the potent impact of misinformation in the digital age and underscores the importance of balanced reporting and responsible social media engagement to protect the delicate ecosystem of a tourism-dependent community.
