Thai immigration authorities this week revoked the visas of three Israeli tourists and ordered their deportation after they were documented waving a "Moshiach" (messiah) flag and distributing pamphlets on the tourist island of Koh Phangan.
According to authorities, the activities of the three disrupted public order and raised concern among residents and tourists.
The individuals whose visas were revoked were named as Menachem Mendel Haramati, a dual Israeli-American citizen, along with two Israeli citizens, David Chai Shmuel Vaknin and Yisrael Carolinsky.
According to the Immigration Committee’s decision, the three were filmed waving a yellow Moshiach flag associated with a faction of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement and handing out pamphlets inviting tourists to join religious activities on the nearby island of Koh Tao.
Authorities further stated that the three encouraged public gatherings via the WhatsApp messaging platform.
The decision noted that the activity "could impact public order and security" in the area, and reported that it caused "alarm and concern among local residents, business owners, and other tourists." Officials emphasized the combination of waving a religious flag, distributing pamphlets, and using social media to promote gatherings.
The Immigration Committee stressed that the decision was made in accordance with local immigration laws, with the aim of maintaining calm in the central tourist hub of Surat Thani. Authorities have instructed that deportation documents be prepared and submitted to immigration police commanders.
Thailand, a popular destination for Israeli tourists, has rarely taken action against visitors over religious activity.