Israeli Tourist’s “My Money Built Your Country” Sparks Thai Backlash
A controversial remark by an Israeli tourist in Thailand has sparked widespread outrage, following a confrontation over local customs in Koh Pha Ngan.
According to a report by Thai news outlet Thaiger, the incident began when the tourist refused to remove her shoes before entering a café — a customary practice in many Thai establishments.
The situation escalated when a 15-second video clip, uploaded to the Koh Pha Ngan Conscious Community Facebook page on Monday, 5 May, captured the woman saying, “My money built your country,” while gesturing and concluding her statement with a wink. The clip quickly went viral, drawing sharp criticism online.
Eyewitnesses claim the tourist made the remark after being asked to comply with the café’s footwear policy. She allegedly defended her decision by asserting that Israeli tourism plays a significant role in boosting Thailand’s economy.
A police report was subsequently filed regarding the incident.
The video prompted an onslaught of backlash from netizens, many condemning her perceived arrogance and disregard for local culture.
“How do you go to another country and refuse to follow their customs in such a disgusting, disrespectful way?” one Reddit user asked. Another commenter suggested Thailand should consider deporting tourists who behave in such a manner.
A particularly pointed comment said, “Most young Israeli tourists I’ve met have just completed military service. Whatever they go through seems to produce people with little respect for others.”
In response to the backlash, the woman identified herself and attempted to clarify her statement. “Hello, I am the woman in the video. First of all, I would like to clarify that what I said was taken out of context. My intention was to say that Israeli tourism helps the Thai economy,” she explained, as quoted by Thaiger.
She further claimed that she had a medical condition affecting her feet and had received permission to keep her shoes on. She alleged that the person who recorded the video was not a staff member, but another customer who, along with a companion, aggressively forced her to leave the café.
“The video is misleading and does not show the violence I experienced,” she added.
However, her explanation has done little to quell public criticism. Many continue to perceive her justification as dismissive and insincere.
The incident has reignited broader concerns over the behaviour of certain Israeli tourists in Thailand. According to Thaiger, other recent cases include defecating in a taxi, impersonating a licensed tour guide, using counterfeit currency, and causing disruptions in a hospital emergency department.
These growing concerns prompted the Israeli Embassy in Thailand to issue a public statement urging its citizens to respect Thai laws and customs while visiting the country.
By Tarziman — 08 May 2025, 01:49 PM
