Protests erupt at Israeli Embassy in Bangkok over illegal business claims

Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the Israeli Embassy in Bangkok on Thursday, led by veteran political activist Sondhi Limthongkul. The demonstration is part of the ‘Take Back Our Thailand’ campaign, which aims to pressure the government to crack down on alleged illegal ‘grey’ business networks operated by foreign nationals.

Protesters raised concerns regarding illegal landholding, the use of Thai citizens as ‘nominees’ to bypass business laws, and the proliferation of religious sites for Israelis. Tensions have reportedly increased in areas such as Koh Phangan, Koh Samui, and Pai due to disputes over land sales and local conduct.

In response to the planned demonstration, Metropolitan Police deployed a full company of crowd control officers to establish a security perimeter around the diplomatic compound to manage the potential for high tensions.