Protesters have rallied outside the Israeli Embassy in Bangkok, calling for greater scrutiny of foreign property ownership and alleged nominee businesses and urging foreign nationals to respect Thai laws and customs.
Thursday’s demonstration was held outside Ocean Tower II on Sukhumvit 21, where the embassy is located, according to The Nation. Protesters carried placards including “Thailand welcomes tourists, not war criminals”, “Boycott Israel” and “Stop Genocide”.
The protest was organised by the “Take Thailand Back” movement led by former People’s Alliance for Democracy leader Sondhi Limthongkul. Organisers said it aimed to protect Thai sovereignty, national interests and domestic businesses.
Participants included Thailand Watch Foundation chairman Panthep Puapongpan, Nitithorn Lamlue and Pichit Chaimongkol of the Network of Students and People for Reform of Thailand.
Sondhi read an open letter in Thai and English calling on the Israeli Embassy and Thai government to take concrete action rather than simply receive the protesters’ petition.
Calls for investigations
The group urged Israeli authorities to tell their nationals to respect Thai laws and culture, cooperate with Thai authorities and support investigations into land ownership and Chabad centres.
The protesters also called on the embassy to convey their concerns to the Israeli government, including demands to end what they described as attacks on civilians, hospitals and schools and to comply with international humanitarian law.
The letter alleged that misconduct by some Israeli nationals, including violations of Thai law and disrespect for local customs, had caused problems for local communities.
It also raised concerns about Chabad centres and Israeli-linked land purchases in Chachoengsao, alleging they were part of efforts to establish a territorial presence in Thailand. The allegations were made by the protesters and were not independently established in the supplied material.
Further demonstrations are planned in several provinces, including Chonburi, Chanthaburi and Khon Kaen.
