Thailand launches campaign urging 'Israeli' tourists to respect local customs
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
- Thailand has launched a humorous campaign highlighting behavior by 'Israeli' tourists that has sparked complaints and tensions with locals.
- The campaign follows months of clashes, protests and warnings from Thailand's foreign minister.
- A total of 355,266 'Israeli' visitors traveled to Thailand between January and October, marking a 4% increase year-on-year.
Thailand's tourism authorities have launched a humorous campaign urging 'Israeli' tourists to respect local customs and cultural norms following months of complaints, confrontations and protests involving visitors from 'Israel'.
The campaign features content creator Dan Pundak in a series of videos styled as wildlife documentaries, in which he humorously addresses behaviors that can offend Thai residents.
These include shouting, aggressive gestures, confrontational bargaining with local vendors and entering restaurants without shirts.
The videos also introduce the Thai concept of "kreng jai", which refers to consideration for others, sensitivity to their feelings and avoiding actions that may cause discomfort.
The campaign seeks to encourage visitors to be more mindful of local customs and social expectations.
According to tourism figures, 355,266 visitors from 'Israel' traveled to Thailand between January and the end of October, representing a 4% increase compared with the same period last year.
The campaign comes after months of reported tensions involving 'Israeli' tourists, including confrontations with locals and protests against their presence, as well as a public warning from Thailand's foreign minister.
