Poll respondents demand Israeli visitors obey Thai laws - Bangkok Post

Demonstrators gather at the Israeli embassy in Bangkok on Sept 10. (photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut) An opinion survey found most respondents were aware of behavioural issues among some Israeli people in Thailand and support strict law enforcement as a solution.

The National Institute of Development Administration conducted the survey by phone, questioning 1,410 Thais aged 18 or more from Sept 8-10. The respondents were in Bangkok, Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Surat Thani, Phuket and Mae Hong Son.

On Sept 10 there was a demonstration outside the Israeli embassy in Bangkok.

Of the respondents, 76.38% said they heard news reports about the improper behaviour of some Israelis in Thailand, 17.45% said they had not seen the reports and had no first-hand experience of such misbehaviour, 5.11% said they had first-hand experience, 4.33% had heard about it from eyewitnesses, and 3.48% said they had third-hand reports.

Meanwhile, 2.41% of the respondents said they had no dissatisfaction and 1.98% said they doubted negative news reports about Israelis in Thailand.

Of the respondents, 1.20% said people should verify reports about Israeli misbehaviour, 1.12% recommended a gentle response, to protect tourism, and 2.75% said harsh responses could affect Thai workers in Israel.