Jerusalem, 25 August, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Police in Phuket, Thailand, are considering whether to approve a rally in Patong by a group calling itself the “Phuket Land Protection Group.” The group wants foreign tourists, particularly Israelis, to follow Thai laws and respect local culture. The issue follows clashes between Israeli tourists and local vendors who displayed Palestinian flags outside their businesses. Videos of the confrontations have gone viral online.
Another group, “Thailand Stand with Palestine,” has announced a rally for Friday, August 28, under the banner “Safe Phuket Safe Patong.” Phuket Governor Nirat Pongsitthaworn has ordered stricter enforcement of local laws, while the Israeli Embassy in Thailand has urged Israelis to obey Thai laws and warned of a zero-tolerance policy toward offenses.
Patong, a popular tourist area, is known for its busy beaches, nightlife, and crowded streets.