Israelis can’t ‘do whatever they want in Thailand’ – Thai FM

Bangkok has threatened indiscriminate deportation for foreign troublemakers, after meeting the Jewish state’s envoy Israel must do more to explain to its nationals how they are expected to behave in Thailand, according to remarks by Bangkok’s foreign minister, Sihasak Phuangketkeow.Sihasak, who also serves as deputy prime minister, met Israeli Ambassador Alona Fisher-Kamm on Tuesday following a series of scandalous and potentially criminal incidents involving Israeli nationals that have stirred tensions in Thailand.“Thailand is a country that welcomes tourists. But welcoming tourists does not mean that visitors, regardless of nationality, can do whatever they want in Thailand,” the minister told the press. “Visitors must understand and respect Thai culture and traditions,” just as Thai tourists must when traveling abroad.Fisher-Kamm, who indicated ahead of the meeting that she wanted to raise concerns about growing hostility toward Israelis and Jews in Thailand, described the discussion with Sihasak as “good and open” and said it touched on “close cooperation in agriculture, labour, healthcare, and cybersecurity.” Sihasak said he had requested that West Jerusalem be more engaged wi...