About 200 protesters rallied outside the Israeli Embassy in Bangkok on Thursday, calling for investigations into Israeli land holdings and Chabad centers in Thailand and for Israel to end attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure in Gaza, according to a report by Bangkok Post.
The demonstration was organized by Thai activist Sondhi Limthongkul, a former leader of the yellow-shirt movement, who attempted to deliver an open letter to Israeli Ambassador Alona Fisher-Kamm as part of his newly launched “Take Our Thailand Back” campaign, which calls on the Thai government to better protect Thailand’s sovereignty and citizens.
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A media owner and political activist, Sondhi Limthongkul speaks to a crowd of followers, demanding an end to alleged land-grabbing by foreigners, in front of Israeli Embassy in Bangkok, Thailand, Thursday. Credit: Sakchai Lalit/AP
A media owner and political activist, Sondhi Limthongkul speaks to a crowd of followers, demanding an end to alleged land-grabbing by foreigners, in front of Israeli Embassy in Bangkok, Thailand, Thursday. Credit: Sakchai Lalit/AP
According to the Bangkok Post, Sondhi’s letter alleged that some Israeli tourists and residents had violated Thai laws, disturbed local communities, disrespected Thai customs and culture, and been involved in fraud and nonpayment disputes. It called for investigations into Israeli land acquisitions in south-central Chachoengsao province, as well as the funding and activities of Chabad centers in Thailand.
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Protesters holding signs attend a demonstration demanding an end to alleged land-grabbing by foreigners, in front of Israeli Embassy in Bangkok, Thailand, Thursday. Credit: Sakchai Lalit/AP
Protesters holding signs attend a demonstration demanding an end to alleged land-grabbing by foreigners, in front of Israeli Embassy in Bangkok, Thailand, Thursday. Credit: Sakchai Lalit/AP
Sondhi called for tighter oversight of Israeli visitors, cooperation in prosecuting Israelis accused of criminal offenses or illegal business activity, transparency in investigations into land acquisitions and Chabad-related activities, and for Thailand to convey its concerns to the Israeli government.
The rally was attended mainly by Thai nationalists concerned about foreign ownership of land, along with some protesters opposed to Israel’s actions in Gaza.
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Protesters holding signs attend a demonstration demanding an end to alleged land-grabbing by foreigners, in front of Israeli Embassy in Bangkok, Thailand, Thursday. Credit: Sakchai Lalit/AP
Protesters holding signs attend a demonstration demanding an end to alleged land-grabbing by foreigners, in front of Israeli Embassy in Bangkok, Thailand, Thursday. Credit: Sakchai Lalit/AP
Embassy officials told organizers that no staff were working at the embassy on Thursday and offered Sondhi a private meeting with Fisher-Kamm at a later date. He rejected the offer, saying the campaign was being conducted on behalf of Thai citizens rather than as a personal matter.