Are Israelis taking over Thailand’s tourist hubs? | MEE Explains

Middle East Eye

143,915 views • 8 days ago

Video Summary

Following recent events, thousands of Israelis have sought mental relief in Thailand, with one group establishing a "healing space" in Koh Phangan. This organization, initially focused on humanitarian support for soldiers, expanded to defense support and survivor care, partnering with Israeli military entities like weapons development and Unit 81, a technological unit for warfare. They also promote pro-Israel content online. Concurrently, an increase in Israeli tourism and residency in tourist areas like Koh Phangan has caused concern among locals and long-term residents, who report a shift in the town's atmosphere and observe issues such as illegal work, the use of Thai nominees for businesses, and public displays celebrating Israeli military actions. These concerns have led to local efforts, including "no Israel" signs and online complaint forms, to address the growing Israeli presence.

An interesting fact is that the organization "Let's Do Something" upgrades, reprograms, and syncs donated drones with IDF systems, ensuring the safety of over 20,000 soldiers monthl

Short Highlights

Thousands of Israelis have traveled to Thailand seeking mental relief from trauma, with one group establishing a "healing space" in Koh Phangan.
An organization initially focused on humanitarian support for soldiers has expanded to defense support and survivor care, partnering with Israeli military entities and upgrading donated drones for battle, ensuring the safety of over 20,000 soldiers monthly.
The increase in Israeli tourism and residency in areas like Koh Phangan has led to a noticeable shift in atmosphere, with locals expressing concerns about illegal work and the use of Thai nominees for businesses.
Locals and long-term residents report an increase in complaints from Thai people and foreigners regarding the growing Israeli presence.
Counter-movements by locals include "no Israel" signs in tourist areas and online forms for tracking complaints against Israel

Key Details

Healing Space in Koh Phangan [00:04]

A significant number of Israelis are experiencing a mental health crisis, with thousands suffering from PTSD seeking relief in Thailand after October 7th.
Friends of a soldier named David, killed in the October 7th attacks, established "David Circle" in Koh Phangan, Thailand, as a healing space for those affected by trauma from the war.
This initiative aims to help Nova survivors and reserve soldiers escape their trauma.

"This is David Circle, a healing space for those suffering from trauma."

"Let's Do Something" Organization: Evolution and Military Ties [00:45]

The organization began as "Soldiers Save Life," later rebranded to "Let's Do Something."
It initially provided humanitarian support for soldiers and evolved to include defense support and long-term survivor care.
The organization partners with Israel's ground forces weapons development, the Israeli Air Force, and Unit 81, an elite technological unit for warfare.
They actively upgrade, reprogram, and sync donated drones with IDF systems to make them battle-ready.
The group ensures the safety of over 20,000 soldiers each month, with over 160 graduates each month.
"Let's Do Something" also promotes pro-Israel content on social media.

"Thank you soldiers save lives. Uh your truly uh donation and equipment do save lives of all the soldiers here in Gaza. Thank you very much."

Rising Israeli Presence and Local Concerns in Koh Phangan [01:50]

Locals in Koh Phangan are expressing concern over an increasing number of Israelis, leading to a noticeable shift in the town's energy, which was formerly known for its bohemian atmosphere, tranquility, and nature.
Since the beginning of the year, over 2,540 Israelis have visited Thailand.
Some Israelis are reportedly living as if they are still in Israel, even celebrating events like the killing of a former Hezbollah leader on Malibu beach.
Stickers of former Israeli soldiers and mental health centers are displayed in public areas.
Concerns include Israelis working illegally, such as a tour guide who claimed to be special forces, and the use of "Thai nominees" for businesses, where locals front companies that are controlled and funded by foreigners.
Thailand's special task force is addressing issues related to nominee businesses, land deals, illegal work, and unlawful entry.

"I in Thailand is basically Israel. I'm sorry. They're absolutely everywhere."

Local Reactions and Boycott Efforts [02:53]

Locals have responded by putting up "no Israel" signs in tourist areas as the Israeli community grows.
There are reports of negative reviews for restaurants and calls to boycott them, such as at Pun Pon restaurant.
A Google form has been created to track complaints against Israelis on the island.
Long-term Israeli residents have also noticed the increased presence and the resulting complaints from both Thai people and foreigners.

"The load of Israeli visitors is very noticeable, and we, the old community living here, are observing more and more complaints from ties and foreigners."