Following the violent rampage at Pai Hospital, tourist police and Immigration Bureau (IB) officers are intensifying their crackdown on tourism-related offenses in Pai district, Mae Hong Son province. The incident involved four Israeli nationals who were deported after causing chaos at the hospital, reads a Bangkok Post report.
The four men—Daniel Gagaev (24), Aviv Rom (26), Emanoel Ashton (25), and Dan Nisko (25)—broke into the hospital's emergency room after a fellow Israeli was injured in a motorcycle crash. The situation escalated when they became agitated, refused to leave, and caused disturbances, prompting hospital staff to call the police.
The tourists were fined 3,000 baht each, had their visas revoked, and were sent back to Israel.
A doctor at Pai Hospital took to social media to share her experience, revealing this was not the first time the hospital had dealt with unruly Israeli tourists. She expressed concerns about her safety and even considered resigning as a result of the incident.
Pai has become a hotspot for Israeli tourists, many of whom engage in illegal activities such as operating unlicensed motorcycle schools or driving without valid licenses, often resulting in road accidents.
The incident has raised alarm over the behavior of foreign tourists in the area, prompting a response from the Tourist Police Bureau (TPB). Pol Lt Gen Saksira Pheuk-am, commissioner of the TPB, ordered a crackdown on foreign tourists violating regulations, regardless of nationality.
On Saturday, the TPB and IB carried out coordinated raids across Pai district, involving over 50 officers. During the operation, authorities arrested a foreign national for illegal entry, an employer for hiring undocumented migrant workers, and a homeowner who sheltered an illegal migrant without notifying the authorities. Charges are pending.
Authorities have warned that stricter law enforcement will continue in an effort to curb illegal activities and maintain peace and safety in Pai district.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
