The Israeli Embassy in Thailand has warned Israeli nationals traveling to Phuket and other parts of Thailand not to violate Thai law after Phuket Governor Nirat Pongsitthaworn ordered a major crackdown on tourist misconduct.

The Phuket Governor, together with security, police, and immigration officials, recently called a meeting of foreign representatives to lay down guidelines to regulate tourist behavior. Violators will face prosecution, maximum penalties, and possible revocation of their right to stay in the Kingdom.

The Governor emphasized that Phuket welcomes visitors from all over the world, but every single one of them must comply with Thai law, and that everyone must be under the same rules for the happiness of local residents and other tourists. The stricter tourism management policy aims to promote a higher-quality and more sustainable tourism image for the province.

In response to this policy, the Israeli Embassy has issued a public advisory to Israeli nationals. It said that a discussion held by Phuket government officials had decided to increase enforcement against foreigners in the province. In this regard, Israeli citizens were urged to act according to the procedures and the laws of the locality.

The advisory outlined enforcement measures, as follows:

• Aggressive enforcement: Relevant authorities had been instructed to enforce the law strictly;

• Maximum punishment: Lawbreakers could face the most serious penalties permitted under Thai law as a deterrent;

• Increasing awareness: Authorities would focus on explaining local laws and regulations to tourists;

• Cancellation of residence visas: In serious cases, authorities could seek cancellation of a foreigner’s right to remain in Thailand;

• Driving without a license: Authorities would apply a zero-tolerance approach, with offenders facing court proceedings without exception.

This tourism management policy has received a positive response, as foreign embassies have started to cooperate by reminding their citizens to comply with Thai law.