Thailand: The residents support enforcement against Israelis – and demand that it be increased

A wave of support from tourist companies and local residents in Copenhagen is currently accompanying the authorities’ decision to increase enforcement against illegal businesses operated by foreigners. The voices coming from the area call on the government not to stop here, but to continue to intensify the measures against business enclaves, with an emphasis on the Israeli community, in order to protect the livelihood of the locals and the image of the island.

The demand for increased pressure intensified following a raid on an unauthorized educational institution where mainly Israeli children studied. For the residents of the island, this case symbolized the culmination of the phenomenon of “straw men” (Nominees), in which foreigners use the names of Thai citizens to operate tourism, car rental, property purchase and accommodation services intended only for Israelis.

Narumon Maisupa, president of the Copenhagen Hotel and Tourism Association, expressed the hard feelings among local operators. She now urges the government to continue the enforcement operations without compromise, and even proposes to reduce the visa exemption to 60 days to prevent foreigners from taking advantage of the stay for illegal work. “These businesses operate outside the law, employ only foreigners and divert all income from the local community,” explains Maisofa. According to her, enforcement is essential not only to stop the illegal activity, but to “upgrade the island’s image” and bring back law-abiding tourists and investors.

At the same time as the votes from the island, the issue was re-validated in the Thai parliament. Member of Parliament Chris Putranandana warned this week that the high concentration of Israelis, estimated at around 4,000 permanent residents and thousands more tourists, creates risks for the country’s sovereignty. He noted that “the complex geopolitical situation and the war in which Israel is involved in the Middle East may turn these enclaves into targets for hostile elements on Thai soil. This is an issue that arouses public interest not only among the residents of Copenhagen, but throughout the country.” According to him, the residents fear that Israeli institutions, including Chabad houses and community centers, may become targets for conflicts and terrorism on Thai soil, which increases the public demand for closer supervision.

The MP also noted that the students and local residents complain about noise pollution, public use of cannabis and the establishment of businesses (such as schools and retail stores) that are run on foreign payment apps, so that no part of the profit goes to the Thai economy.

As a reminder, as of April 2026, the conditions for registering new companies were significantly tightened to prevent the establishment of straw companies. Local operators welcome these steps, stressing that maintaining the island’s character and the rule of law is the only way to ensure the future of tourism in Copenhagen, especially in light of the growing competition and the recent drop in occupancy.