Israelis in Thailand
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 31,892 Israeli nationals in Thailand (March 10, 2026 Immigration Technology Centre report) | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Ko Pha-ngan, Phuket, Ko Samui | |
| Languages | |
| Hebrew |
Israelis in Thailand or Israeli Thais are citizens or residents of Thailand who were originally from Israel or are of Israeli descent.[1][2]
Demographics
Thailand is a popular tourist destination for Israeli nationals, with 508,181 Israelis reported visiting Thailand from January to May 2026.[3]
In Islands such as Phuket, Ko Samui, and Ko Pha-ngan, there are numerous businesses operated by Israeli nationals.[4][5]
Contemporary issues
In February 2025, internet rumors circulated about over 30,000 Israelis living in Pai in Mae Hong Son province in Northern Thailand, leading to a police investigation into foreign nationals living in Pai for alleged illegal activities and public disturbances.[6]
In March 2026, Thailand's immigration bureau denied reports that up to 425,000 foreign nationals, primarily Israelis, were living in Thailand.[7][8] On March 10, 2026, the Immigration Technology Centre released a report showing approximately 31,892 Israeli nationals were in Thailand, including "both visa-exempt tourists and those holding visas for various reasons, such as business, study and accompanying family members."[9]
References
- ↑ "Thailand crackdown: Arrest warrants issued for 20 Israelis in Koh Samui | The Jerusalem Post". The Jerusalem Post | JPost.com. 2026-08-19. Retrieved 2026-08-22.
- ↑ Chuenniran, Achadthaya (2026-08-18). "Israeli businesses on Phuket in crosshairs". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 2026-08-22.
- ↑ "Israeli arrivals spike in Thailand — Koh Samui and Koh Phangan lead". nationthailand. 2026-05-08. Retrieved 2026-08-22.
- ↑ Staff, ToI (2026-06-02). "10 Israelis deported from Thailand amid crackdown on foreign-linked crime — report". The Times of Israel. ISSN 0040-7909. Retrieved 2026-08-22.
- ↑ Duangdee, Vijitra. "Thailand cracks down on foreign companies using fig leaf of local ownership". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 2026-08-22.
- ↑ "No 'promised land' in Pai: Thailand denies town has over 30,000 Israelis, amid local-foreigner tensions". CNA. Retrieved 2026-08-22.
- ↑ Ngamkham, Wassayos (2026-03-12). "Thai authorities rebut claims of huge Israeli presence". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 2026-08-22.
- ↑ "Israeli tourist data from 2025 misrepresented as mass exodus to Thailand". Fact Check. Archived from the original on 2026-05-21. Retrieved 2026-08-22.
- ↑ "Immigration Bureau denies reports that 400,000 Israelis are staying in Thailand". nationthailand. 2026-03-13. Retrieved 2026-08-22.