“Chris” Warns of Jewish Settlement on Koh Phangan Fearing Thailand Could Be Drawn Into Global Conflicts

Today, May 6, 2026, at Parliament House, Mr. Chris Potranandana, Leader of the Sendai Party, along with Mr. Peerapol Kanokwalee, Secretary-General, and Ms. Angsana Niamvanichkul, Deputy Secretary-General, held a joint press conference regarding the expansion of the Israeli community on Koh Phangan, Surat Thani, following a discussion in the parliamentary session earlier this morning.

Approximately 4,000 Israelis have taken up long-term residence, with another 3,000 tourists arriving under the government's free visa policy, which is described as opening the doors wide without any screening. With a total of about 7,000 people, problems have emerged in the area, including noisy parties, drug use, and the opening of illegal businesses and shops that process payments through their own applications, leaving Thailand with no revenue. There are also reports of illegal hotels and schools. Consequently, the question is raised whether it is worth the risk of Thailand potentially being drawn into this war.

Mr. Chris further stated that the case of Chabad houses used for their religious ceremonies could pose a risk of becoming targets for attacks by conflicting countries. Furthermore, the influx of Israelis through the free visa policy is like opening a door without screening, meaning criminals or undesirable elements could enter. It must be asked if the money coming in is worth the social problems that are about to occur. Therefore, he called upon relevant agencies, including ISOC, the Ministry of Interior, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to step in and investigate to prevent future incidents and reduce the risk of violence.

Photo : Weeraphat Ratsameerueangrong