Koh Phangan Panel Targets Einav Ashuel for Visa Revocation

Two police complaints have triggered a formal recommendation to end the visa of Einav Ashuel on the Thai island of Koh Phangan.

The Special Committee for Reviewing the Behavior of Foreign Nationals issued the recommendation on Thursday. Ashuel, 33, is accused of threatening and abusing behavior toward hotel employees and tourists. District Chief Paisit Thongcharoen chaired the meeting. Local police commanders, immigration representatives, tourist police, and senior officials attended the session. The committee referred the case to immigration police for further action.

The allegations stem from visits to Than Sadet National Park and a hotel. According to the district administration, Ashuel used services without paying. She allegedly shouted, cursed, and insulted staff. Officials say she also threatened to physically harm employees and tourists during these incidents.

This action follows a pattern of stricter enforcement on Thai islands. In late March, the same committee recommended revoking the visas of three Israelis on Koh Tao. Those visitors displayed Chabad flags and used WhatsApp groups to invite people to Passover activities. A Chabad website reported that the three were later deported. In September, Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul signed a deportation order for Israeli citizen Yaakov Ohayon. Ohayon had been convicted of making threats during a dispute at a zoo on Koh Samui. He received a suspended 15-day prison sentence and a fine of 5,000 baht. A deportation order was also issued against the zoo’s French owner.

The committee noted that 13 foreign tourists had their visas revoked in early April for inappropriate behavior. The district chief stated that inspections and monitoring would continue to protect residents and visitors. In May, the Israeli Embassy in Bangkok issued a warning to travelers in Phuket province. The embassy advised Israelis to follow local rules to avoid legal or immigration consequences. Authorities said they were told to impose stricter penalties, including visa revocation, in serious cases.

As of Thursday, authorities have not confirmed whether Ashuel’s visa has been formally revoked or if she has been deported. Neither Ashuel nor the Israeli Foreign Ministry has provided a response to the recommendation.