Sondhi-led protesters rally at Israeli Embassy in Bangkok over land and nominee concerns
Protesters led by veteran activist Sondhi Limthongkul rallied outside the Israeli Embassy in Bangkok on 10 September 2026, demanding scrutiny of foreign landholdings, alleged nominee businesses and Chabad centres, and urging Israeli nationals to respect Thai law.
- Sondhi Limthongkul led a rally at the Israeli Embassy, presenting four demands in an open letter.
- Protesters alleged nominee businesses and questioned land purchases in Chachoengsao and Chabad centres' activities.
- The embassy pledged travel guidance for Israelis; further rallies are planned across several provinces.
Demonstrators led by veteran activist Sondhi Limthongkul rallied outside the Israeli Embassy in Bangkok on Thursday, 10 September 2026, demanding a crackdown on alleged foreign nominee businesses and greater scrutiny of foreign property ownership in Thailand.
The gathering took place outside Ocean Tower II on Sukhumvit Soi 21, where the embassy is located. It was the first major protest under the "Take Thailand Back" campaign, which Sondhi launched earlier in the week.
According to The Nation, organisers described the campaign as an effort to protect Thai sovereignty, national interests and businesses operating in the country.
The Bangkok Post estimated the crowd at about 200 people, while the Associated Press (AP) described it as numbering in the hundreds.
Four demands for Israeli authorities
Sondhi, a former leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), read an open letter in Thai and English addressed to Israeli Ambassador Alona Fisher-Kamm.
He said the embassy and the Israeli government should take concrete action rather than treat the petition as a diplomatic formality.
The letter first asked Israeli authorities to regulate the conduct of their nationals, including requiring tourists travelling to Thailand to be briefed on respecting Thai law, culture and local communities.
Secondly, it called on Israel to cooperate fully with Thai police and other agencies in taking legal action against Israeli nationals who commit offences, without using diplomatic privileges to interfere.
Thirdly, the group sought transparent cooperation with examinations of land ownership in Chachoengsao province and the operations of Chabad centres and related organisations under Thai law.
Finally, the letter asked the embassy to convey the protesters' dissatisfaction to Israel's Foreign Ministry and government. It called for an end to what it described as brutal actions against civilians, hospitals and schools.
The letter also urged immediate compliance with international humanitarian law.
"Our generosity is not weakness," the statement said, according to The Nation.
Allegations over land and Chabad centres
The letter alleged that misconduct by some Israeli tourists and nationals, including breaches of Thai law, disrespect for local customs and fraud, had repeatedly caused problems for local communities.
It claimed that residents in several areas had lost patience and wanted stricter enforcement.
The group raised allegations concerning the expansion of Chabad centres and land purchased for a cemetery in Chachoengsao. It portrayed these activities as an attempt to establish a territorial presence in Thailand.
The statement further alleged that granting Thai nationality to Israelis had facilitated the arrival of foreign investment groups, and questioned whether some Chabad premises served as religious sites or as gathering places.
According to The Nation, the statement went on to allege a long-term strategy of taking over Thailand, which it suggested could span 10 to 20 years. These claims were made by the protesters and have not been substantiated.
The letter also claimed that money spent by Israeli tourists went largely to Israeli-owned businesses, disputing the argument that such spending broadly benefited the local economy.
It maintained that no nationality should be above Thai law, no religion or organisation beyond scrutiny, and no diplomatic relationship should protect lawbreakers.
Scenes at the rally
Protesters carried placards reading "Thailand welcomes tourists, not war criminals", "No pad Thai for war criminals", "Boycott Israel" and "Stop Genocide". Others waved Thai flags and held signs reading "My land" and "Israel, be respectful to Thai people".
The Bangkok Post reported that one participant displayed a "Jews Out" placard. The newspaper noted the presence of flag-waving nationalists concerned about foreign control of Thai land, as well as a handful of foreigners opposed to Israeli military activity.
Also in attendance was marine conservationist Siranudh "Psi" Scott, an heir to the family behind the Singha beer brand. Khaosod English reported that, when asked for a message to the ambassador, he said she should leave the country.
Other organisers included Panthep Puapongpan, chairman of the Thailand Watch Foundation; lawyer Nitithorn Lamlue; and Pichit Chaimongkol, a leader of the Network of Students and People for Reform of Thailand.
Supporters had assembled by 9am, with Sondhi arriving shortly afterwards wearing a T-shirt bearing the campaign slogan, according to The Nation.
Officers from Thong Lor Police Station and Metropolitan Police Division 5 provided security, while explosive ordnance disposal personnel checked for hazardous objects. No clashes or serious incidents were reported.
Private meeting offer rejected
Sondhi told supporters that the embassy had informed organisers that no staff were on duty that day, but that the ambassador was willing to meet him privately on another occasion.
He said he had rejected the offer because the campaign was being conducted on behalf of the Thai public and should not be reduced to a private discussion.
Embassy response
In a video message posted to Facebook after the rally, Deputy Chief of Mission Rami Teplitskiy said the embassy was not ignoring news reports and negative sentiment about Israeli tourists in Thailand, the AP reported.
He said relevant agencies in both countries were working together on the issues, and that Israeli visitors would receive official travel guidance asking them to respect Thai laws and culture.
Government pressure and diplomatic context
The protest followed a meeting on Tuesday, 8 September 2026, between Ambassador Fisher-Kamm and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow over concerns about some Israeli visitors and business operators.
According to Khaosod English, Sihasak said Thailand would strictly enforce its laws against any foreign national who breaks them, while stressing that this did not amount to discrimination.
He said concerns had arisen particularly in Phang Nga and Phuket, where Israeli communities have formed, and cautioned against generalising about all Israelis. More than 60,000 Thai workers are currently in Israel, he noted.
The ambassador proposed preparing guidance for Israeli visitors, to be distributed through diplomatic channels, tour companies and airlines, Sihasak said.
The AP reported that one of the highest-profile recent cases involved an Israeli tourist who was convicted of threatening a zoo owner on Koh Samui and subsequently deported.
Speaking to reporters, Sondhi said the campaign was not aimed at toppling the current government but at compelling it to do more to protect Thai sovereignty and citizens.
He warned that the government would face continued pressure if it failed to act. He also criticised its handling of what he called "grey capital", and said he planned a separate petition on alleged illicit Chinese business networks.
Nationwide campaign planned
Khaosod English reported that Sondhi would travel to Chanthaburi on 13 September 2026, followed by Hat Yai on 26 September 2026 with Panthep and physician-politician Dr Warong Dechgitvigrom.
The group also plans rallies in Phuket, Chonburi and Khon Kaen.
