Visitors to Koh Phangan lose visas as 10 foreign nationals revoked since January

Authorities on the Thai island of Koh Phangan have revoked the visa of an Israeli woman following reports of alleged misconduct and aggressive behaviour on several occasions while she was working there. The case adds to a growing tally of visa withdrawals on the island, where ten foreign nationals have had their visas cancelled since January 2026.

Key facts

• Who: Ensav Ashual, a 33-year-old Israeli national reported to have worked on Koh Phangan as an art therapist and breathwork guide.
• What: Her visa was revoked after complaints of alleged aggressive behaviour, abusive remarks and refusal to pay fees.
• Track record: She is the third Israeli national on Koh Phangan to have a visa revoked.
• Island total: Ten foreign nationals on Koh Phangan have had visas withdrawn since January 2026.
• Visa-free entry: Israeli nationals may visit Thailand visa-free for tourism for up to 30 days, but that exemption does not permit them to work.

What happened?

A committee reportedly set up to monitor the behaviour of foreigners on Koh Samui handled the case, with the woman accused of directing abusive remarks and offensive language towards authorities. She is also alleged to have refused to pay for accommodation and entrance fees at Than Sadet Ko Phangan National Park, an area known for its wildlife.

The committee did not state what type of visa Ashual held. Although she is reported to have worked on the island, this has not been independently confirmed, and it is not confirmed whether she held a work visa.

What are the rules for Israeli visitors?

Israeli nationals can enter Thailand visa-free for tourism for stays of up to 30 days. The exemption does not allow them to work, and the source does not set out any change to those rules.

Thai authorities have also raised concerns about businesspeople suspected of using Thai nominees to get around foreign ownership restrictions, alongside tourists accused of causing friction with local communities on Koh Phangan, Koh Samui and Phuket.

What have Thai officials said?

In September 2026, Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow held what he called a frank discussion with Israeli Ambassador Alona Fisher-Kamm about concerns involving some Israeli nationals. He said visitors must "respect Thai traditions, culture and local ways of life", adding that Thailand would enforce its laws against foreign nationals regardless of nationality.

According to the foreign minister, Fisher-Kamm acknowledged the concerns and agreed to step up efforts to inform Israeli visitors about appropriate conduct in Thailand.

What this means for travellers

The case shows that Thai authorities on Koh Phangan are withdrawing visas from foreign visitors accused of misconduct. Travellers entering Thailand visa-free for tourism should note that the exemption does not cover any form of work, and that Thai officials have said national laws apply to all foreign nationals.

Israeli arrivals in Thailand exceeded 277,000 in the first eight months of 2026, a 7% rise on the same period a year earlier, after a reported 45% increase in 2024. No further announcements on visa policy changes have been made.